Vacheron Constantin - The New York Watch Auction: XI New York Saturday, December 7, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1974
    Reference No: 2129
    Movement No: 661’119
    Case No: 500’637
    Model Name: Prestige de la France
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 7’’’K1050, 20 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Vacheron Constantin pin buckle
    Dimensions: 21mm width x 46mm length
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture of the present watch in 1974.

  • Catalogue Essay

    On June 23rd, 1972, the Comité de Prestige et de Propagande Nationale de France awarded Vacheron Constantin the “Diplôme du Prestige de la France” at the Ritz in Paris to commemorate the brand’s commitment to technical and design excellence. To perpetually honor such an accolade and to celebrate the occasion of its new Parisien boutique located at 2 Rue de la Paix, the brand introduced an elegant wristwatch that epitomized the spirit of the prestigious award, and named it so.

    With a distinct elongated trapezoidal shape, curved slightly to contour to the wrist, the Prestige de la France was made available in a variety of case metals and sizes. The present example, the larger size, boasts an extremely elegant and rarely seen white gold case and matte black dial that is perfect for evening events. It is furthermore well-preserved in excellent overall condition.

  • 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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Σ138

Ref. 2129
An elegant and well-preserved white gold asymmetrical wristwatch with Extract from the Archives

1974
21mm width x 46mm length
Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$6,000 - 12,000 
CHF5,300-10,600
€5,600-11,200
HK$46,600-93,300

Sold for $22,860

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman, Watches, 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: XI

New York Auction 7 - 8 December 2024