221

Vacheron Constantin

A superb and extremely rare yellow gold open-face minute repeating perpetual calendar split seconds chronograph watch with 30-minutes register, moon phases and enamel dial

Estimate
CHF80,000 - 140,000
€73,400 - 129,000
$82,400 - 144,000
Sold For
CHF106,250
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Vacheron Constantin
Year
1914
Movement No
400293
Case No
228495
Material
18k yellow gold
Calibre
Manual, 39 jewels
Dimensions
52mm. Diameter
Signed
Case, dial and movement signed. Inner case back signed and engraved "Chronomètre". Case back engraved with the initials JK
Accessories
Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming the year of production of the present watch in 1914
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Catalogue Essay
Even though Vacheron Constantin has a long history in watches featuring multi-complications, the latter are nevertheless rare and few and it was not until the early 20th century that the brand added a split seconds (considered to be one of the most complex complications) to their Grande Complication watches. Added in addition to Vacheron’s already complicated minute repeating, perpetual calendar chronographs with moon phase, such extraordinarily complicated watches were masterpieces – the very best watches one could be from any brand.
The perpetual calendars came in two different configurations, either on a 12 month cycle with leap year indicator or like in the present lot on a 48 month cycle.
Pieces like the present lot were made upon request and as unique pieces, each with a different aesthetic feature. It is interesting to note the Vacheron Constantin brand name printed on the bottom of the enamel dial as to leave the dial uncluttered for greater legibility.
The present chiming timepiece is a superb example perfectly demonstrating Vacheron Constantin's technical dexterity and know-how, and a watch sure to delight all the senses of a discriminating connoisseur.

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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