Vacheron Constantin - The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN Geneva Saturday, May 12, 2018 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1964
    Reference No: 6782
    Movement No: 570'550
    Case No: 398'226
    Model Name: "Turnograph"
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. K 1072, 29 jewels, stamped twice with the Geneva Seal, stamped "VXN"
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Vacheron Constantin pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial movement and pin buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Certificat d'Origine et de Garantie stamped Milan retailer Cavanna Luigi and dated December 20, 1969 and fitted presentation box. Furthermore delivered with Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1964.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Most watch companies can be classified according to their production: from manufacturers specialized in high-end complicated pieces (such as Vacheron Constantin) 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 triple calendar moonphase wristwatches by Rolex are the typical example. The extremely elusive Vacheron Constantin reference 6782 Turnograph is another.

    With an heritage characterized by dress watches, Vacheron Constantin’s production of sport/tool pieces is nowadays extremely restricted, and in the 1950s virtually nonexistent. That is, until the release of the "Turnograph", nicknamed as such due to its resemblance to the Rolex reference 1625. However, even though it can be classified as a sports watch, the model bears undeniable ties to the ethos of Vacheron Constantin, not only the most obvious gold case, but also the delicate sunburst dial, often found on Vacheron Constantin dress pieces of the time.

    While the overall production numbers for the reference can not be unequivocally confirmed, it appears to be a very rare timepiece judging by the frequency of its appearance on the market. Interestingly, notwithstanding the assumed scarce production, the company made a number of different dial iterations.

    It is a delight to point out how the present one, bearing vertically arranged baton indexes, would appear to be one of the most difficult - and visually striking - to come by.

  • 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. 6782
A fine, unusual and extremely rare yellow gold wristwatch with center seconds, indexes, date, Certificate and box

1964
36mm Diameter
Case, dial movement and pin buckle signed

Estimate
CHF8,000 - 12,000 
€6,900-10,300
$8,500-12,700

Sold for CHF9,375

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 81
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SEVEN

Geneva Auction 12-13 May 2018