Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1964 Reference No: 6782 Movement No: 570'511 Case No: 398'193 Model Name: "Turnograph" Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1072, 29 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Vacheron Constantin (contemporary) pin buckle Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1964.
Catalogue Essay
Launched in the early 1960s, reference 6782 was available until the 1970s. Nicknamed the "Turnograph" (in one word) or "Thunderbird" due to its resemblance to the Rolex reference 1625, it is a remarkably sporty yet sophisticated timepiece.
To the best of our knowledge, reference 6782 was produced in a number of variations. The model was available in two different case shapes, three different hand styles and numerous dial iterations. Without exception, however, all examples housed the automatic cal. 1072 featuring a date window at 3 o'clock and featured an iconic rotating bezel.
This example is preserved in particularly impressive condition. The milled bezel is precise, crisp and defined. The silver sunburst dial with applied gold batons is offered in outstanding condition, with two crisp hallmarks preserved beneath the lugs. The present lot is a pièce de choix for the Vacheron connoisseur, or Vacheronista, looking for an iconic reference believed to have been produced in less than 100 pieces.
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.