Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: Circa 1950 Reference No: 6111 Movement No: 537'123 Case No: 376'144 Model Name: Chronomètre Royal Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. P1008/BS, 19 jewels, stamped twice with the Geneva Seal Bracelet/Strap: 18K pink gold Gay Frères for Vacheron Constantin bracelet, max length 185mm Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Gay Frères for Vacheron Constantin clasp stamped "1 60" Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed by maker; clasp further signed Gay Feres Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin presentation box. Furthermore delivered with Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives
Catalogue Essay
Almost every significant watch brand has an iconic watch that collectors adore, from the Reverso to the Submariner. Vacheron Constantin is probably best known for its Chronomètre Royal.
“Chronomètre Royal Vacheron Constantin Genève” became a registered trademark on May 28th, 1907 when the first pocket-watch bearing this prestigious name was presented. Thereafter, the name was used on only those fitted with a chronometer certified movement, featuring improved accuracy and the overall superior finish. One feature of the present movement connected to the chronometer designation is quite apparent even at first glance with the massive lever which goes from the crown entry point to the balance wheel enabling the hack feature. When the crown is pulled, the lever pivots and brings the minuscule metal blade at its end in contact with the rim of the balance wheel, thus stopping the movement.
This remarkable example of reference 6111 is distinguished not only by its impressive overall condition - featuring a very sharp case and a flawless dial - but also by the presence of the luxurious bracelet made by arguably the most important bracelet maker of the past century: Gay Frères. It adds immense gravitas to the overall ensemble and boosts the present timepiece to a higher level of collectability.
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.