VACHERON CONSTANTIN 18K 53mm Open Face Top Grade Chronograph w/Wolf Teeth Winding & Counterpoised Lever Yellow Gold Pocket Watch

Description

REMARKS: Rare and highly collectible Vacheron et Constantin Geneve 18K Solid Gold Chronograph Pocket Watch with Top Grade Movement.  Vacheron et Constantin Geneve was the predecessor trademark used by Vacheron & Constantin until around turn of the 20^th Century.  Vacheron Constantin is the oldest continuously operating watch brand in the world since 1755 and remains one of the most respected watch companies representing the epitome of Swiss Watchmaking.  This complicated chronograph pocket watch from the 1880-1890s is a great specimen to show the skill of this centuries-old brand, made at perhaps the peak of Swiss watchmaking craftsmanship.  Just taking a close look at the movement inspires awe in terms of all of the top quality hand-finished parts and extravagant design.  This Vacheron Constantin chronograph movement was finished in gilt with nickle chronograph parts, it has wolf teeth winding wheels, counterpoised lever fork, blued screws, 25 jewels, and highly extravagant chronograph levers and column wheel.  Even though it is unsigned on the movement or dial, this is unmistakably a 100% Vacheron Constantin product.  This watch has no standard gold hallmark such as 18K or 750 but instead there are two winged-lion hallmarks purportedly French gold marks.  The dustcover is clearly engraved with the Vacheron et Constantin Geneve text and the case serial number matches for both the caseback and dustcover.  Based on the many quality features for the movement and high quality of the case, this must have been one of the top grade products for Vacheron Constantin in the 1880-1890s.

CONDITION REPORT: Condition-wise the watch runs, sets, and all of the chronograph functions work with starting, stopping and resetting.  However due to age and the way it was designed if the chronograph button is not pressed definitively the chronograph hand might jump unexpectedly.  Basic running of the watch appears to operate for extended time.  We do not make any guarantee to its function or timekeeping.  We recommend for all antique watch to be serviced before usage at the owner’s discretion.  Services can be requested with an additional charge and a longer delivery timeframe.  Cosmetically the watch dial has no hairlines or cracks.  The case has no dings and dents, but it does have some deeper scratches inside the case back and on the dust cover.  There are also slight spots of presumed acid erosion when attempts were made in the past to test the gold content of the case.  These are imperfections but history associated with the watch which makes it unique.  Besides the French gold hallmarks, there is also a Maltese cross hallmark that was used by Vacheron et Constantin starting in 1880.  Diameter is 53mm, total weight is 127g.

Please View Vacheron Constantin Historical Timeline: https://www.vacheron-constantin.com/us/en/maison/heritage/historical-timeline.html