It was made circa the early 1910's at a time when V & C was producing far fewer ladies watches than they do today - watches this early are not often seen and rarely with this level of decoration.
Its case appears to be an unsigned contract case made for the U.S. market and possesses a beautiful level of artistic refinement. Our photos couldn't begin to do it justice.
Bejewelled with diamonds and sapphires set in platinum it has a very pleasing symmetry. It is decorated not only on the sides of the case but also the crown which features three diamonds; even the back shows the painstaking level of effort invested even in parts that are only seen by its owner. Equipped with a very high-grade V & C mechanism it unites inner and outer beauty.
Its movement is extremely finely crafted, on par in quality and craftsmanship with only the very top tier of watches by the likes of Patek Philippe and Vacheron & Constantin. It was originally crafted and adjusted to five adjustments for very accurate timekeeping.
Its bracelet seems to be a later addition because of its style likely paired with what appears to be the watch's original clasp.
It is in fabulous condition. Its stunning case, bejeweled with diamonds and sapphires, presents as better than near mint condition. It has one light pin prick indention on the back. On the wrist it presents as just short of mint.
Its dial shows only fairly mild aging. Wristwatches made this early in the eras before ubiquitious branding were often not signed on the dial.
Our Master Watchmaker has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $695 value). Please kindly note that even an extremely well-serviced watch of this age will not quite keep the same time as a modern watch.
Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function and a full page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity.
Vacheron & Constantin:
As one of the finest names in watchmaking, Vacheron & Constantin commitment to quality and technical superiority is legendary. Long known for their highly-complicated watches, Vacheron & Constantin stands alongside Patek Philippe as one of the premier watchmakers in the world.
- Manufacturer: Vacheron & Constantin
- Country of origin: Switzerland, presumably made for the U.S. market
- Year built: c. late 1910's
- Case no.: 377,109
- Functions: Hours and minutes
- Designed for: Women
- Case material: Platinum, diamonds, presumably synthetic sapphires
- Case condition: Better than near mint with one light pin prick in the back. Presents as just short of mint on the wrist.
- Case markings (inside): Unsigned, presumably contract case
- Dimensions: 14mm diameter (excluding crown) by 24mm long lug tip to tip
- Dial: Silver with black painted Art Deco Arabic indices, outer minute track, correctly unsigned, only fairly light aging
- Hands: Steel, "moderne" style
- Movement type: Extremely high grade, signed Vacheron & Constantin, rhodium-plated, "fausses-cotes" decoration, 18 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance with 5 adjustments for greater accuracy
- Movement markings: Vacheron & Constantin, 5 Adjustments, Swiss, Eighteen Jewels
- Band: Likely later period vintage, sapphire and emerald with what appears to be the stunning original diamond clasp, fits a wrist up to nearly 8 inches and could easily be sized down, excellent condition
- Note: The length can be adjusted by a jeweler
- Crystal type: Mineral glass, original or vintage, very good condition with one sliver chip between three and four. Please inquire if you would like a new one installed.
- Serviced: Our Master Watchmaker has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $695 value). Please kindly note that even an extremely well-serviced watch of this age will not quite keep the same time as a modern watch.
- Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art Microset III watch timer. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of four watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts.
- Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details.
- Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
