Vacheron Constantin - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIX featuring the Guido Mondani Collection Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2024 | Phillips

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  • Condition Report

  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1960
    Reference No: 6465
    Movement No: 545'597
    Case No: 374'917
    Material: Platinum and diamonds
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. K1071, 29 jewels, stamped twice with the Geneva Seal
    Bracelet/Strap: Platinum Gay Freres bracelet, max length 195mm
    Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Gay Freres clasp stamped "2 60"
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed by maker, clasp signed by bracelet maker
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1960.
    Literature: The watch is prominently illustrated in Royal Vacheron Constantin by Pucci Papaleo Editore.

  • Catalogue Essay

    When it comes to watch collecting, there is little dispute: unique timepieces are considered the ultimate tier in the field. The point is how one defines uniqueness. It can be a normal model with a different kind of dial. It could be a watch fitted with a bracelet instead of a leather strap. It can be a reference executed in a metal never seen before.

    In the Instance of the present timepiece, we are in the presence of one of those rare astral conjunctions where all levels of uniqueness are reunited under one case. Reference 6465 is so far known in only one example: the present one. This trait already unarguably classifies it as one of the most important time only wristwatches ever made by the company. But if this was not enough, even the metal it is executed in represents the highest level of collectibility: platinum. The subtle addition of diamonds to the bezel and to the indexes further boost the appeal of the piece, making it one of the most refined and elegant dress watches produced by Vacheron Constantin.

    This is, however, a true treasure trove for the collector, as the watch comes not on a simple leather strap, but rather on an exquisite Gay Freres platinum bracelet, featuring a highly unusual style hardly ever seen before. The bracelet is stamped with the same year of the watch, but to cement its absolute originality to the timepiece we checked with Vacheron Constantin, and they verbally confirmed that the watch was born indeed with a bracelet.

    While a single look to this piece would be enough to conquer the heart of any collector, the amount of unique traits it encapsulates makes it an absolutely unmissable opportunity for the most demanding connoisseur, a true Grail and undoubtedly one of the most collectible time only watches ever made by Vacheron Constantin

  • Artist Biography

    Vacheron Constantin

    Swiss • 1755

    The world's oldest watch brand in continuous operation since its founding in 1755, Vacheron Constantin was the first watch company to manufacture movements with interchangeable parts beginning in 1839. Vacheron's watches are admired for their Latin-influenced case designs, well-balanced proportions and exquisitely finished movements of the highest quality. The Geneva-based manufacturer is known for their highly complicated masterpieces, including the King Farouk Grand Complication made in 1935, the Tour de l'Ile that was the most complicated serially produced wristwatch when introduced in 2005 and the 57260 — the world’s most complicated watch — made in 2015.

    Key vintage models include minute repeating wristwatches such as the references 4261, chronographs such as the references 4178 and 6087 and the oversized Cioccolotone models such as ref. 4737. Collectors also appreciate Vacheron's Chronometer Royal pocket and wristwatches, as well as the '222,' the brand's first luxury sports watch produced from 1977 through 1984.

    View More Works

105

Ref. 6465
A possibly unique, unspeakably beautiful and enormously collectible platinum automatic wristwatch with center seconds, diamond-set bezel and Gay Freres bracelet

1960
36mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed by maker, clasp signed by bracelet maker

Estimate
CHF60,000 - 120,000 
€61,300-123,000
$65,600-131,000

Place Advance Bid
Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIX featuring the Guido Mondani Collection

Geneva Auction 11 - 12 May 2024