Vacheron Constantin - STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them New York Wednesday, December 5, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1970
    Reference No: 6782
    Movement No: 626’738
    Case No: 458’556
    Model Name: Turnograph
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. K 1072, 29 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Vacheron Constantin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by original guarantee confirming sale of the present watch on October 10th, 1971 and original presentation box. Furthermore accompanied by Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture in 1970.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Most watch companies can be classified according to their typical output: from manufacturers specialized in high-end complicated pieces and dress watches (such as Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe) to companies devoted to professional wristwatches (for example, Rolex or Omega), it is undeniable that most brands have some sort of core specialization which in turn becomes part of their identity.

    When a brand steps outside of that comfort zone, the result is most often a very scarce and highly collectible model. The Rolex references 6062 and 8171 with triple calendar and moon phase indications are two examples. The extremely elusive Vacheron Constantin reference 6782 Turnograph, the present lot, is another.

    With a rich heritage characterized by elegant dress watches, Vacheron Constantin’s production of sport/tool pieces is nowadays extremely restricted, and in the 1950s was virtually nonexistent. That is, until the release of the "Turnograph", nicknamed as such due to its similarities to the Rolex reference 1625. Rather thick for dress watches of the time, it features a waterproof case and rotating bezel to measure elapsed time. However, even though it can be classified as a sports watch, the design cues are still undeniably of Vacheron Constantin, with a luxurious champagne dial, refined milling on the bezel, and an 18K gold decorated rotor stamped with the Geneva seal.

    While the overall production numbers for the reference cannot be confirmed, it appears to be a very rare timepiece judging by the frequency of its appearance on the market. Since production was so low, it is even more interesting that dial layouts and design tend to vary between examples. The present example features baton indexes and a matching baton handset inlaid with black to increase legibility. This is an extremely beautiful and well-preserved timepiece, further enhanced by its accompanying original fitted box and guarantee.

  • 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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Ο87

Ref. 6782
A very rare and highly attractive yellow gold wristwatch with rotating bezel, original guarantee, and box

1970
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$12,000 - 18,000 
CHF12,000-17,900
€10,400-15,600
HK$94,100-141,000

Sold for $26,250

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