Vacheron & Constantin
One of the recognised ‘Holy Trinity’ of Swiss watchmaking along with Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, Vacheron & Constantin is also the world’s oldest ‘Watch Manufacture’, 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 taken so far, it is considered an art. This is known as ‘Haute Horlogerie’ in which Vacheron & Constantin has been the 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. This, along with its extraordinarily high standards of quality and manufacture, lead many watchmakers, horologists and watch industry experts to believe Vacheron & Constantin reigns supreme among the finest quality watch manufacturers in the world.
To the collector, Vacheron & Constantin offers a level of exclusivity which even the more famous Patek Philippe can not. During the 1940s and through to the 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, colours and designs, each one was strictly limited in number. For the collector, the fact that these watches are seriously undervalued doesn’t go unnoticed either.
Description
A totally charming early automatic from Vacheron & Constantin. This watch contains a rare movement, which was actually V&C’s first automatic. This movement uses a solid 18ct gold rotor as was usually the case at the time on both Patek and Vacheron automatics. More on this later.
The dial is classic 1950s design at its best and the high-quality two-piece 18ct pink gold case is of a substantial design with a screw-down case back, making this a waterproof watch when new.
This classic Vacheron & Constantin vintage dress watch is perfect for both evening wear or with care, everyday use, as you so wish.
The Dial
Another beautifully executed dial design from Vacheron & Constantin which although has all the elements of 1950s dial design, looks totally contemporary today. In fact, we would guess 9 out of 10 people would guess this is a modern watch, particularly taking into account the overall condition. Simple and understated classic dial design at its best. Applied solid gold ‘baton’ hour indices and applied 3 – 6 – 9 – 12, numerals, matched with the solid gold hands, contrast perfectly with the ivory cream dial and pink gold case.
The dial is simply signed ‘Vacheron & Constantin’ and ‘Geneve’ with ‘Automatic’ below and ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom.
This is the original dial which has been restored to the very highest standards by our dial restorers, considered to be the best in the UK. The lens is new, having been replaced with an original new replacement, as part of the restoration.
Movement
This watch contains the high-grade Vacheron & Constantin Calibre 477/1, 17 Jewel bumper movement which was Vacheron & Constantin’s first automatic movement, introduced in 1950. This rare movement was only produced for only 2 short years from 1950-1952, but was cased and used in various different models in subsequent years.
This bumper automatic movement uses a solid gold rotor which arcs backwards and forwards between two ‘bumper’ springs to wind the watch. This was not merely to show off, but 18ct gold has the physical property of being heavy, so this increases the efficiency of the auto winding mechanism.
The bumper automatic was a standard design perfected at the time and in common use with other manufacturers including Jaeger LeCoultre, Omega and Zenith. When the watch is moved, one can very gently feel and hear the rotor bouncing between its two bumper springs. This is quite endearing and is part of the personality of the watch and after half an hour or so on the wrist one seldom notices it.
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! This is truly outstanding for any mechanical watch and is no exaggeration – we have checked and confirmed the test results on our electronic watch timegrapher. This movement also has an excellent power reserve of 42 hours when fully wound.
The movement is signed ‘Vacheron & Constantin’, ‘Geneve Swiss’ and 17 Jewels with the Calibre number 477/1, the movement serial number 497217 and Swiss Geneva Seal hallmarks. The movement serial number dates this watch to 1954.
With care and regular servicing, say every 3 to 4 years, we would fully expect this watch to continue to run very happily for another 50+ years before it requires a full overhaul. 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
The exceedingly high quality 18ct gold watch case measures 34.5 mm in diameter, excluding the correct Vacheron & Constantin unsigned crown. The case is of a sturdy and robust two-piece design with an integral bezel and a screw back, making this watch waterproof when new. This watch is therefore highly suited to everyday use as well as evening wear.
From the very early beginnings, Vacheron & Constantin has been the torchbearer of Haute Horlogerie. This is reflected, not only in the quality of its movements, but also in its watch cases. Here, the case is of a substantial two-piece design with an integral bezel, elegant sweeping lugs and a screw-down case-back for improved dust and moisture protection.
The case, bezel and case-back are all in superb condition with no marks or scratches visible to the naked eye. The watch has been beautifully well cared for, so after a close inspection, has simply required a careful clean and a gentle polish to bring it back to its current, almost as new condition.
The case-back is of full thickness and has never been inscribed. Inside the case-back all is correct and as expected, signed ‘Vacheron & Constantin’, ‘Swiss’ with Geneva Swiss 18ct gold hallmarks and the case serial number 327051.
As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.
The Strap & Buckle
A high-quality cherry red alligator strap has been fitted, along with a pink gold-plated buckle. 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 in stock, in plain padded leather, crocodile skin or lizard skin, but can also obtain most types and colours of strap from our partners at ‘Watch Obsession’ within 48hrs. Please take a look at their huge range of 20mm straps if you wish, here.
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 1954.
A detailed particulars document will be included with this watch, along with our fully detailed purchase receipt and 12 months’ warranty*. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will also be provided along with our unique ‘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”.
As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no quibble sale or return policy.
The watch comes complete with a high-quality hardwood presentation box, as shown in the photographs.
In Conclusion
A simply beautiful gentleman’s dress watch from one of horology’s most revered names. This will not only make an excellent dress watch but also a practical, accurate and reliable timepiece to use on a daily basis should you so wish. It will provide an excellent investment as well as be something to use, wear, treasure and enjoy!
A word on our prices – We always try our hardest to acquire the very highest quality watches we can find, before then 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 means we will never be the cheapest, but nor will we be the most expensive. Indeed there are some well known stores in West London which are highly successful charging between two to three times the price you see here. We therefore consider our prices to be 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 like to pay by UK cheque or by UK bank transfer we will be pleased to assist you with this and pass on a 3% saving to you. Similarly, if you wish to pay by International SWIFT or Bank Wire Transfer we will provide you with our BIC / Swift number and our IBAN number.
If you have any questions, please call 020 7727 7095 or +44 207 727 7095.
Please note, we welcome part exchanges. If you have a watch or small collection for sale, please contact us as we will be happy to discuss.
We will also be happy to Service your watch, Repair your watch or Restore your watch, all at ‘sensible’ prices. Please see here.
Please take a look at our other fine vintage gold watches.
Andrew M via feefo 
3rd December 2024 
JLC1891 
