Vacheron Constantin - STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them New York Wednesday, December 5, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1966
    Reference No: 6950, inside case back stamped 6694
    Movement No: 406'918
    Case No: 587'615
    Model Name: Chronomètre Royale
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12''-1072, 29 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold Vacheron Constantin bracelet
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Vacheron Constantin folding clasp
    Dimensions: 35mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming the production of this timepiece in 1966.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Vacheron Constantin’s Chronomètre Royal is among the firm’s best known and most sought after model. Produced in wristwatch form beginning in 1953, these models are considered among the brand’s finest watches of the era. The Chronomètre Royal reference 6694 was introduced in 1962, and housed Vacheron Constantin’s first automatic caliber with chronometer certification – the caliber 1072, featuring a chronometric balance and the rotor mounted on ruby ball bearings. Collectors often refer to reference 6694 as “the Batman” due to its wide and dramatic wing-shaped lugs that are instantly recognizable. The reference 6694, when fitted on a bracelet, is considered a reference 6950.

    The finish throughout the bracelet and case is extremely fine and a testament to Vacheron’s commitment to craftsmanship and elegance. The brick-style bracelet is taut, showing this piece was hardly ever worn and was treated with the utmost care by previous owners. The finely cross-hatched pattern on the case and bracelet is a traditional Florentine technique, still used today in haute horologie and haute joaillerie. Typically, it is done by hand with a hard-tipped tool (today, a diamond-tipped hammer is used), repeatedly beaten into the metal to achieve the directional texture visible throughout. A series of parallel lines are engraved bidirectionally, giving the metal a matte, almost three-dimensional appearance. The dial possesses a softly radiating silver sunburst appearance, with the Maltese Cross inset with a diamond below the 12 o’clock hour marker.

    This rare and uncommon watch is presented with an extract from Vacheron Constantin’s archives, and offered in superbly preserved condition that is especially noteworthy after leaving the manufacture over five decades ago.

  • 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.

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Ο108

Ref. 6950, inside case back stamped 6694
A very rare and exquisite white gold wristwatch with date, unusual lugs and bracelet

1966
35mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and bracelet signed.

Estimate
$15,000 - 25,000 
CHF15,000-24,900
€13,000-21,700
HK$118,000-196,000

Sold for $46,250

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them

New York Auction 5 December 2018