Vacheron Constantin - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1970
    Reference No: 6782
    Movement No: 629'776
    Case No: 458'605
    Model Name: "Turnograph"
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. K1072, 29 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold pin buckle signed AW
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present watch in 1970

  • Catalogue Essay

    Most watch companies can be classified according to their typical output. Over time, some have specialized in high-end complicated pieces and dress watches (such as Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe), whilst others have pursued the market for professional wristwatches (for example, Rolex or Omega).

    For many, this specialization took place shortly after the Second World War, when the demand for more robust and functional timepieces began to soar, pushing some of the more traditional Maisons out of their comfort zone. The reference 6782 Turnograph from Vacheron Constantin is one of those experimental watches.

    With a rich heritage characterized by elegant dress watches, Vacheron Constantin’s production of sport/tool pieces was virtually non-existent 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, the reference 6782 features a waterproof case and rotating bezel to measure elapsed time.

    However, the reference 6782 remains an overtly luxurious timepiece. The attention to detail in the milling of the bezel and more importantly, the use of gold instead of stainless steel for the case and bezel make this "Turnograph" incomparable to other sports watches from the same era.

    In many ways this watch was way ahead of its time, and ultimately Vacheron Constantin chose to retire their luxury sports watch within a few years of its initial release.

    The present example, fresh to the market, is offered in exquisite condition. It retains all of its original factory finishes. The circular screw down case is unpolished, the lugs display original finishes and clear defined lines, while the silver “Star Burst” dial is clean and in all original condition.

    Made predominantly in yellow gold, the present reference 6782 is only the third white gold version known, interestingly each of the white gold models having a slightly different bezel.

    The waterproof case, rotating bezel and overall sporty look could possibly make the Vacheron Constantin "Turnograph" the first sports chic model to be made by a traditional watch brand a few years before the launch of the Royal Oak!

    The present Vacheron Constantin “Turnograph” is one of the company’s most exclusive and elusive models and a treasure for the most discerning collector especially in this ultra rare white gold livery.

  • 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
An incredibly rare and highly attractive white gold wristwatch with rotating bezel

1970
36mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000 
€17,800-35,600
$20,100-40,300

Sold for CHF30,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE

Geneva Auction 11-12 May 2019