Vacheron Constantin Chronometer Royal 18ct Pink Gold c1957

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 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, 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.

For the well-heeled and the collector, vintage Vacheron & Constantin offer a degree of exclusivity which even Patek Philippe cannot. During the 1940s and through 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 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

Almost every significant watch brand has an iconic watch that collectors adore, from the Reverso to the Submariner. Vacheron Constantin is probably best known for the Chronomètre Royal. The Chronomètre Royal Vacheron Constantin Genève became a registered trademark on May 28th, 1907 when the first pocket-watch bearing this prestigious name was presented. Thereafter, the name was used on only those fitted with a chronometer certified movement.

This is a beautiful example of a Vacheron Constantin Chronometer Royal, showing the fullness of its case proportions. The incredible silver-white dial with applied and faceted hour markers combines purity and elegance that is typical of the period. This outstanding watch carries the ultra high grade calibre P1008/BS, 19 Jewel Chronometer grade, automatic movement. This watch is completely original, unrestored and untouched yet remains in simply immaculate condition.

The Dial

In addition to its very fine movements, Vacheron Constantin is widely renowned for its beautiful dials. This outstanding silver-white dial is completely original, unrestored and untouched, yet still remains in remarkable condition.

The classic Vacheron Constantin dial design here is totally ageless, understated and executed to perfection with outstanding faceted, gilt double ‘pencil’ hour indices at ‘3 – 6 – 9 – 12’ mixed with ‘bipyramid’ indices in between. This dial also carries very unique gilt ‘lance’ hands which are original to this watch. All of the beautiful features are clear and make this watch very easy to read while on the wrist. The symmetry and pure class here is matchless and for someone with an eye for classical watch design, totally irresistible.

The dial is simply signed ‘Vacheron Constantin’ and ‘Geneve’ just below 12 with ‘Swiss’ at the very bottom below 6.

As this dial is in original, unrestored condition, this has been left untouched by our restoration team due to its superb condition. Usually, we restore the dials of the watches we sell, however we decided in this case to leave it alone, due to its unusually good condition and to retain its originality and charm for those who prefer this. It also helps to contrast with almost all of the other watch dials you see on our website, which have been restored. The hands, likewise, have also been left in their original untouched condition.

Please note, studio lights, professional-grade digital cameras, and macro lenses can be very unkind to an unrestored vintage watch dial. The dial here measures less than 1.25 inches across, so the images you see here may be between 5 – 25 times larger than the watch itself. Therefore please keep in mind you are seeing many tiny flaws which cannot be seen, or will be very hard to see with the naked eye, even under close examination. Suffice to say, on the wrist, in natural light, this dial looks much better and carries a great deal more charm than the photographs portray.

The Movement

This watch is fitted with a very high grade, chronometer rated Calibre P1008/BS, 19 jewel automatic movement. As can be seen from the images, this incredible movement is utterly beautiful and very simply… a work of art.

This example is in amazing 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 +5 seconds per day which is truly outstanding for any mechanical watch and no idle exaggeration – we have checked and confirmed the test results on our electronic watch timegrapher. 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! We are therefore totally confident in offering this watch with our 12 months’ written warranty*.

In addition, this movement carries the most highly regarded ‘Geneva Seal’. This is a distinctive hallmark depicting the Geneva coat of arms, granted by an official body at the Ecole d’Horlogerie de Genève and was only ever placed on movements which were able to achieve the most exacting standards and whose quality and finish conform to most precise and demanding specifications.

The movement is signed ‘Vacheron & Constantin’, ‘Geneve Swiss’ and ’Nineteen 19 Jewels’ with the Calibre number P1008/BS and the movement serial number 508345.

*Please note – our 12 months’ warranty is only applicable if the list price is paid.

The Case

The 18ct yellow gold case measures a large 35mm, excluding the correct original unsigned crown. The case features a wonderful plain bezel that matches the simplicity of the dial and bracelet perfectly. This watch is heavy and robust weighing 103.6 grams including the wonderful bracelet.

The condition is outstanding, indicating the watch has seen only very light use and proper care. It is as sturdy and tight as the day it was made, with a press-fit case back that pushes into place with a very satisfying ‘pop’. There are no scratches, other marks, or signs of wear visible to the naked eye.

Inside the case, the case-back all is signed correctly and as expected: ‘Vacheron & Constantin’ and ‘Swiss’, with Swiss 18ct hallmarks and the case serial number 360588. The exterior of the case back is correctly signed with ‘Chronometer Royal’ which is of full thickness which shows very little use.

As ever, our standard advice applies: Vintage watches should be kept clean and dry at all times.

The Bracelet

The original full size, intregrated 18ct pink gold bracelet completes the watch beautifully. It is a work of art in itself and feels wonderful both on and off the wrist. The bracelet is almost as thick as the watch case and looks and feels as though formed as one. Some things are so well designed and so well made, they appear to have a form closer to nature, evolution and art, than to manufacture and this bracelet and case are one.

The bracelet is full sized and has a three stage adjustable catch with a safety lock. It is designed for an average gent’s size wrist, this bracelet measures 17.8cm on its smallest and 18.4cm at its largest adjustment. This is an integral bracelet that can be tailored to size if necessary.

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 c1957.

Detailed particulars will be included with our purchase receipt for your interest and security. A separate insurance valuation for the replacement value of this watch will be provided at the time of sale along with our unique ‘Lifetime Authenticity Guarantee’ which states: “If this watch proves to be anything less than 100% genuine, authentic and original, a full refund will be given at any time”.

The black Vacheron Constantin presentation pouch shown in the photographs is included.

Payment and Delivery

If you would like to pay by bank transfer, we will be pleased to assist you with this. 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.

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 who happen to visit London 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 hand your watch directly to you there.

As with all our watches, this watch will be sold under our 14 days no-quibble sale or return policy.