Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1975 Reference No: 35703 Movement No: 648'245 & 648'248 Case No: 513'427 Model Name: "Prestige de France 1972" Material: 18K white gold and diamonds Calibre: Two manual calibers, 7'''- K1050, 20 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K white gold polished and plated stitched links Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Vacheron Constantin link clasp Dimensions: 21mm width x 42mm length Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Certificate of Authenticity, Extract from the Archives confirming production of the watch in 1975, presentation box and pouch.
Catalogue Essay
Some timepieces are born under a lucky star and Vacheron’s “Prestige de France” is undoubtedly one of these. On June 23 1972, the Comité de Prestige et de Propagande Nationale of France granted Vacheron Constantin with the coveted « Diplôme du Prestige de la France » in tribute of the brand’s pursuit of excellence. To celebrate this distinction, Vacheron Constantin’s Paris design team created a surprising asymmetrical watch with the emblem of the Prestige de la France engraved on the back.
For the past forty years this shape has remained within the Vacheron Constantin collection, varying in size and proportions and later named “1972” in honor of the date of its launch.
The present lot is a flamboyant and rare example of the original Prestige de France models dating from the 1970s with a rare dual time function, fitted with two individual, high-grade movements. With a stunning, pave-set diamond dial, it's completed by a superb, pebble-texture white gold woven bracelet in absolutely pristine condition.
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.
