Vacheron Constantin
One of the widely recognised ‘Holy Trinity’ of Swiss watchmaking along with Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin is also the world’s oldest ‘Watch Manufacturer’, and as such, it has remained in continuous operation since 1755. More than this, Vacheron Constantin is the founding father of a spirit of technical excellence which it has made an art form. This is known as ‘Haute Horlogerie’ at which Vacheron Constantin has been in the vanguard for over 260 years. This tradition defines the ‘Manufacture’, evident in the finest quality execution, reflected in a finish which goes far beyond the demands of the ‘Poinçon de Genève’.
Created in 1886, the ‘Seal of the State of Geneva’ is the highest accolade, reserved for only the very finest quality watchmaking. Vacheron Constantin was the first watchmaker to be allowed to use this hallmark of excellence on its movements.
Vacheron Constantin was also the first watch company to manufacture movements with interchangeable parts, beginning in 1839. The manufacturer is known for their highly complicated masterpieces, including the King Farouk Grand Complication made in 1935 and the Tour de l’Ile which was the most complicated serially produced wristwatch when introduced in 2005. Then followed the 57260 — the world’s most complicated watch — made in 2015.
For the well-heeled and the collector, vintage Vacheron & Constantin offer a degree of exclusivity which even Patek Philippe can not. During the 1940s and through to the late 1960s, Vacheron Constantin only ever produced a maximum of 24 examples of each reference in any one configuration. This means that while it produced a variety of dial and case combinations and colours and designs, each one was strictly limited in number. For the collector, the fact that these watches exist and are seriously undervalued doesn’t go unnoticed.
Description
The wonderful watch we have here reminds us very much of a Cartier Tank – this being a watch that was released around the same period. A rare, rectangular-cased 1930s, art-deco 18ct pink gold Vacheron & Constantin watch with a beautiful dial, which has been fully restored to a very high standard. Relatively few square or rectangular shaped Vacheron & Constantin watches have been produced, making these case shapes more exclusive. At 22mm across, excluding the original unsigned crown, this is a good-sized Ladies dress watch for the period.
The Dial
Although this watch is over 90 years old, the dial design is so elegant and timeless it could easily be mistaken for a contemporary watch today.
The beautiful Vacheron & Constantin art-deco dial, carries original pink gold Index hands and pink gold roman ‘3 – 5 – 7 – 9 – 11’ numerals on a slightly off-white background, all delicately framed by a minute rail track in black. So well balanced, beautifully proportioned and executed to perfection. In harmony with the watch case, the dial speaks of pure class, simple elegance, quality and confidence.
This watch is simply signed ‘Vacheron & Constantin’ and ‘Geneve’ just below the ’12’ with ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom.
This is the original dial which has been restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers, who are considered to be the best in the UK.
The Movement
The Calibre 435 subsidiary seconds movement, along with its sister movement, the P454, are widely regarded as some of the best hand-wound movements ever produced.
The hand-wound Calibre 435/3C, 17 jewel movement here is utterly beautiful. Put at its simplest… it is a work of art, with Fausses Côtes, Geneva Wave embellishment, a lever escapement, monometallic balance with screws adjusted to temperature, self-compensating Breguet hairspring, Superchoc shock-absorber and a swan-neck micrometer regulator, enabling much finer calibration.
The movement is in superb condition having just completed a full overhaul and service by our vintage Vacheron Constantin specialist watchmaker. It is running perfectly and has been calibrated in 5 positions to run within +9 seconds per day which is is truly outstanding for any mechanical watch and has been checked and confirmed on our electronic watch timegrapher. This movement also has an excellent power reserve of 44 hours when fully wound.
The movement is signed ‘Vacheron Constantin’, ‘Geneve’ and ‘17 Jewels’ with the Calibre number 435/3C, the movement serial number 422249 and Swiss Geneva hallmarks. The movement serial number dates this watch to 1930.
With care and regular servicing, say every 3 to 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to continue to run very happily for many more decades to come. We are therefore totally confident in offering this watch with our 12 months’ written warranty*.
*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.
Watch Case
This wonderful example is all the more desirable due to having a rare 18ct pink gold case. Also, as stated earlier, rectangular Vacheron & Constantin watches are rare, due to low production numbers, which makes these highly sought after today and the 18ct pink gold case just adds to the desirability.
Vacheron & Constantin watches have always been conservatively sized and at 22mm across, excluding the crown, this was a typical size for the period. Although this may appear small, the watch measures 42mm overall and 46mm, including the beautiful straight lugs, actually making this watch quite a large size for the period.
The condition of the two-piece case is outstanding, indicating the watch has seen only light and careful use. It is as sturdy and tight as the day it was made, with its two halves pressing together with a very firm click and there are no scratches, other marks, or signs of wear visible to the naked eye.
Inside the case, all is correct and simply signed ‘Vacheron & Constantin’ with Swiss 18ct hallmarks and the case serial number 262222.
As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap and Buckle
The watch is fitted with a new black leather strap and plain pink gold-plated buckle, which we think suits the watch beautifully. However, if a different colour or style of strap is preferred, please let us know and we will do our best to oblige free of charge. We carry tan, conker, dark brown and black straps in stock in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin. We can also obtain most types and colours from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs.
The Box and Papers
Although there are no original papers with this watch, the reference numbers, markings, signatures and hallmarks are all correct, dating this watch to 1930.
Detailed particulars will be included with the receipt, along with our 12 months’ warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value will also be provided at the time of sale with our ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than totally authentic, or not as described, Vintage Gold Watches of London will offer you a full refund at any time”.
This watch comes complete with a high quality hardwood presentation box, as shown.
In Conclusion
Here we have a truly rare and highly sought after vintage gold dress watch from horology’s most revered name which is truly a thing of beauty – to wear, use, treasure and enjoy. It will also make an excellent investment as well as a family heirloom piece.
A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before restoring these to the highest possible standards. We then offer these at the fairest prices we can, taking into account our pre and post-sales care and service. This approach inevitably means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are many well-known stores in West London which are very successful charging between two to three times our prices. We therefore consider our prices to be very fair, given the quality of watches we have to offer.
We are happy to accept PayPal as this is the quickest method of payment. However, if you would wish to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to pass on a 3% transaction saving to you. Paying by bank transfer for a 3% saving will not affect your 12 months warranty. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or International Bank Wire Transfer, we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.
Please check the import duties and any taxes your government may apply, these are different for each country and unfortunately out of our control.
We understand there may be some ‘loopholes’ that may help you avoid these charges, however attempting to use these could impact our ongoing ability to serve our growing international customer base.
For those that happen to visit the UK on occasion we are of course more than happy to store your watch until we can meet you in our offices in Kensington, London, and your watch directly to you there.
Please note, we also welcome part exchanges and offers of watches for sale.
We will be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
If you have any questions please call us on 020 7727 7095 or if calling from overseas on +44 207 727 7095.
Finally, please enjoy some time spent viewing our other fine vintage gold watches.
Thank you.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
