Vacheron Constantin - The New York Watch Auction: NINE New York Saturday, December 9, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 2000
    Reference No: 30020
    Movement No: 877’947
    Case No: 660’700
    Model Name: Patrimony
    Material: Platinum
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1755, 30 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Vacheron Constantin pin buckle
    Dimensions: 37mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by a Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 2000.

  • Catalogue Essay

    First introduced in 1992 with the caliber 1755, measuring a mere 3.28mm in depth, this batch of references were the thinnest minute repeaters made by Vacheron Constantin and were limited to just 200 watches. The majority were cased in the reference 30010 with traditional dial, and the reference 30030 with skeletonized dial; however, 77 examples were upgraded with a perpetual calendar and moon phase module. Remarkably, this was the very first time Vacheron Constantin produced a minute-repeating wristwatch with perpetual calendar and moon phase. Two repeating vintage pieces with calendar and moon phases are known, but they feature a simple triple calendar.
    The reference 30020 is considered by many to be one of the most important models ever produced by Vacheron Constantin. The importance of this reference is fully understood when examining its case and movement construction. In fact, both are directly inspired by a vintage minute repeating reference made in the first half of the past century, the reference 4261, now one of the most coveted vintage Vacheron Constantin references. The case is a direct descendant of the 4261 case, defined by its iconic teardrop lugs and the thin, highly elegant overall construction. Its slimness, however, is just one of the fascinating aspects of its movement. It was inspired by the movement construction of reference 4261, and realized following “old school” construction techniques, the ébauches themselves being vintage stock.
    The present watch, from 2000, is well-preserved and has an incredible chime. The reference 30020 is a reflection on Vacheron Constantin’s commitment to timepieces that are both technically impressive and aesthetically pleasing.

  • 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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Ref. 30020
An extremely well preserved, very rare, and important minute repeating perpetual calendar wristwatch with moon phase

2000
37mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed.

Estimate
$80,000 - 160,000 
CHF72,100-144,000
€74,900-150,000
HK$625,000-1,250,000
S$109,000-217,000

Sold for $215,900

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: NINE

New York Auction 9 - 10 December 2023