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.