Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1999 Reference No: 57215 Movement No: 835'387 Case No: 645'118 Model Name: Les Complications Collection Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 1705, 17 jewels Dimensions: 55mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1999
Catalogue Essay
Founded in 1755 Vacheron Constantin is the oldest continuing watch manufacturer today, and over the course of their 264 history, their driving force has been a commitment to excellence and the finest standards in watch making. Their heritage began, as early as 1790, with a complicated openface pocket watch featuring day, date and time, and by 1824 they had created a rare and unusual Jump-Hour watch, which was refined, elegant and a technical innovation. In addition to complicated movements, Vacheron Constantin enhanced watches with decorative patterns using fine cloisonné enamel and engravings. The brand also made special order timepieces, like the exceptional James Ward Packard Clockwatch from 1918. Bespoke watches are still provided today via their Les Cabinotiers department with master craftsmen and artisans producing some of the most original watches today.
The present reference 57215 from Vacheron Constantin’s “Complication” line of fine timepieces was first released in 1993. This is the third known example to be offered as public auction and it is believed the model was only available upon order. The larger and heavy case at 237 grams is in excellent overall condition as is the silvered dial with triple calendar, moon phases and leap year indication. Owning a Vacheron Contantin perpetual calendar watch is to own a bit of history and the technical mastery of a brand that has spent over 260 years achieving perfection.
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.