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66
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 43041
Saltarello "Prototype"
A historical and unique yellow gold jump hour prototype wristwatch with retrograde minutes and second case
- Estimate
- CHF30,000 - 60,000€32,400 - 64,700$37,700 - 75,400
CHF120,650
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Vacheron Constantin
- Year
- Circa 1995
- Reference No
- 43041
- Movement No
- 619'373
- Case No
- 698'780 further engraved Pièce Unique, 2nd case engraved Test N°1
- Model Name
- Saltarello "Prototype"
- Material
- 18k yellow gold, second case in gold plate
- Calibre
- Automatic, caliber 1120/2 SQ, 36 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Alligator
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18k yellow gold Vacheron Constantin pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 36mm Length 36mm Width
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin fitted box, purchase invoice from 2003, second gold plated case. Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 2000 (corresponding to creation of the case)
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
It is on very rare occasions that a prototype of this magnitude from one of the world’s most prestigious manufactures graces the auction market. The Saltarello is a timepiece that defined the 1990s for Vacheron Constantin who was then testing retrograde displays (something of a rarity at the time) and the present prototype has its own story to tell.
Offered by the watchmaker who developed the Saltarello the present prototype displays a cavalcade of details not found on the production piece.
The development for the watch started in 1994 with the present prototype being finalised in 1995/1996. While Vacheron Constantin had previously made watches featuring jumping hours and retrograde minutes, this was the company’s first successful combination of the two in a single wristwatch.
The movement is based on the ultra-thin automatic caliber 1120/2, the jump hour mechanism features a “brake system” based on a minute repeater gong to cushion the return of the minutes hand. This system was abandoned on the production pieces. The hand guilloché dial is also quite different from the regular production pieces as the applied gold numerals have hand polished rounded tops whereas regular production pieces were flat. However, the most visible difference is the opening at the bottom of the dial enabling an open view on the retrograde minute wheel.
By turning the watch over one can admire the skeletonised and hand engraved rotor, which is this case is engraved also on the back – once again something different from the production version.
The present prototype was first cased in a gold plated case engraved Test N°1 on the caseback and between the lugs. In 2000 Vacheron Constantin made an 18k yellow gold case specially for the watch engraved Pièce Unique.
The Saltarello was officially launched in 1998 and made in 100 pieces in yellow gold and 200 pieces in pink and white gold each.
Offered by the watchmaker who developed the Saltarello the present prototype displays a cavalcade of details not found on the production piece.
The development for the watch started in 1994 with the present prototype being finalised in 1995/1996. While Vacheron Constantin had previously made watches featuring jumping hours and retrograde minutes, this was the company’s first successful combination of the two in a single wristwatch.
The movement is based on the ultra-thin automatic caliber 1120/2, the jump hour mechanism features a “brake system” based on a minute repeater gong to cushion the return of the minutes hand. This system was abandoned on the production pieces. The hand guilloché dial is also quite different from the regular production pieces as the applied gold numerals have hand polished rounded tops whereas regular production pieces were flat. However, the most visible difference is the opening at the bottom of the dial enabling an open view on the retrograde minute wheel.
By turning the watch over one can admire the skeletonised and hand engraved rotor, which is this case is engraved also on the back – once again something different from the production version.
The present prototype was first cased in a gold plated case engraved Test N°1 on the caseback and between the lugs. In 2000 Vacheron Constantin made an 18k yellow gold case specially for the watch engraved Pièce Unique.
The Saltarello was officially launched in 1998 and made in 100 pieces in yellow gold and 200 pieces in pink and white gold each.
Vacheron Constantin
Swiss | 1755The 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.
Browse MakerKey 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.