Vacheron Constantin - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI Geneva Saturday, November 5, 2022 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1955
    Reference No: 6026
    Movement No: 466'926
    Case No: 344'836
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 13''-492, 19 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by an Extract from the Archives from Vacheron Constantin confirming date of production in 1955 and vacheron Constantin fitted box.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Undoubtedly the chronograph is the undisputed king of complications in term of market desirability and success. A little known fact is that it is also extremely complicated to manufacture. Vacheron Constantin created its very first wrist chronograph in 1917 and since then the variety and diverse designs make these some of the most desirable ever made.

    Reference 6026 is undisputedly part of the elite group of ultra-rare chronographs made by Vacheron Constantin (or any other brand) as it was launched in 1954, in production for just one year, where only 19 pieces are known in yellow gold and 6 in pink gold like the present example.

    Measuring a bit over 36mm in diameter the watch has huge wrist presence thanks to its steeped bezel and large angular lugs.

    The pink gold case perfectly frames the attractive two-tone ivory dial.

    There are rare watches and then there are pieces that are mostly known via archival images and come to the market once every blue moon, the present Vacheron Constantin reference 6026 is part of the latter and offers a unique opportunity to obtain one of the rarest and most coveted of vintage chronographs.

  • 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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199

Ref. 6026
An incredibly rare pink gold chronograph wristwatch with two-tone dial, one of only 6 known

1955
36mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF30,000 - 60,000 
€30,700-61,400
$29,900-59,800

Sold for CHF86,940

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East
+41 22 317 81 81
AGhotbi@phillips.com
 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva
+41 22 317 96 63
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XVI

Geneva Auction 5 - 6 November 2022