Vacheron Constantin - TOKI: Watch Auction Hong Kong Friday, November 22, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: Circa 1999
    Reference No: 33059/000J
    Movement No: 789’934
    Case No: 662’911
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 1003/2, 18 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Vacheron Constantin pin buckle
    Dimensions: 34.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin warranty stamped Takashiyama Department store Kyoto Japan dated August 1999, fitted presentation pouch and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Vacheron Constantin is renowned for their mastery of the art of creating coin watches in either pocket watch or wrist watch form, using a variety of coins from around the globe. Crafted in 1999 and fashioned from an American $20 “Liberty” head gold coin dating back to 1904, this reference 33059 ingeniously transforms the coin into a horological masterpiece.

    A small pusher on the right side of the case opens the “Head” side of the coin and reveals the magic within. Housed within is Vacheron Constantin’s ultra slim squelette Geneva sealed calibre 1003, launched in 1955 for the brand’s 200th anniversary, which at 1.64 mm, was the world’s thinnest manual wind movement for decades. While a 34.5mm coin might have been inconvenient for carrying in a pocket, it emerges as a perfect-sized dress watch, aligning with the contemporary trend of smaller timepieces making a resurgence.

    Fitted with an superb skeletonized dial with a gold case that has gained a charming patina, the present $20 Liberty Coin wristwatch is well-preserved and a coveted item for discerning collectors who appreciate the convergence of heritage, craftsmanship, and contemporary taste in an uncommon timepiece. Furthermore, the present timepiece is accompanied with its original warranty and pouch. This timepiece was sold at one of Japan’s most iconic Takashimaya department store located a stone throw away at the intersection of Shijo-dori, the downtown of Kyoto.

  • 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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Σ70

Ref. 33059/000J
An attractive and well-preserved yellow gold twenty-dollar coin wristwatch with skeletonized dial, warranty and presentation pouch

Circa 1999
34.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$100,000 - 200,000 
€11,500-23,000
$12,800-25,600

Sold for HK$279,400

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com

TOKI: Watch Auction

Hong Kong Auction 22 November