The company Vacheron & Constantin has been around since 1755, and from the very beginning have produced expensive watches, all the while constantly striving to improve the level of quality. Although the original pocket watch case was melted down for scrap long ago, the watchmakers thankfully kept this expensive, high-quality movement safe. The new stainless steel case was purpose made for this movement, giving the watch a classic air with a modern edge, making it a really wearable accessory. The antique movement can be admired through the glass caseback. There is a hidden button for setting the hands on the left lug next to the crown.
Key Features
New, custom-made stainless steel conversion wristwatch with a completely original antique Vacheron Constantin pocket watch movement, signed on a bridge and mainplate, and with a serial number under the dial that points its date of production to the 1880’s. Although very old, the movement runs with excellent agility, its work can be viewed through the watch’s glass caseback. The new case is an unusual crab-shaped design with flip lugs and a winder at the numeral 12 position. It has combined finishing, with mirror polishing on the bezels and a satin finish around the case. The white enamel dial is classic and elegant, with refined Roman numerals, a seconds subdial at numeral 6, and completed by the delicate Fleur-de-lys hands.
About the Brand
Vacheron Constantin SA is a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer founded in 1755 by Jean-Marc Vacheron. Since 1996, it has been a subsidiary of the Swiss Richemont Group, along with other highly-regarded brands such as Jaeger-LeCoultre & Co. In addition to being the oldest Swiss manufacturer, Vacheron Constantin is also one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world, with an uninterrupted watchmaking history since its foundation, having strongly persevered through major difficulties during both the Great Depression, and the quartz crisis of the 1970’s and 1980’s.
Vacheron Constantin are a very highly regarded watch manufacturer; the Vacheron Constantin pocket watch No. 402833 (1929), which was owned by King Fuad I of Egypt, ranks as one of the most expensive watches ever sold at auction, fetching US$2.77 million in Geneva on April 3, 2005. In 2015, Vacheron Constantin introduced the pocket watch Reference 57260, which currently holds the title of the most complicated mechanical watch ever made, with 57 horological complications.
Servicing and Guarantee
This timepiece has been serviced with full disassembly. There is a 12-month guarantee, subject to the usage and care guidelines. The watch comes with a high-quality genuine leather strap with cream thread detailing.
Overview
Case and Strap
- Crab style, new custom-made circular case.
- Stainless steel with double glazing.
- Combined treatment: polishing and satin-brushed (matte).
- ‘Crab’-type lugs
- Mineral crystal, front is domed.
- Snap on glass caseback.
- Onion shaped crown with hidden button for setting the hands.
- Not water-resistant.
- High-quality genuine leather strap with cream thread detail.
Dimensions:
- Width w crown 56 mm.
- Width w/o crown 45.7 mm.
- Height 56 mmm.
- Thickness 14.5 mm.
- Strap width 22 mm.
Dial and Hands
- Original white enamel dial.
- Delicate, black Roman numerals.
- Hour indications from 5-60 around outer edge.
- Small seconds subdial at numeral 6 position.
- Blued Fleur-de-lys hour and minute hands.
- Small purple-tone seconds hand.
Movement
- Swiss-made movement.
- Typical old Vacheron calibre.
- Signed “Vacheron & Constantin”.
- 19 jewels.
- Bimetallic balance with screw weights and Breguet hairspring.
- Typical V&C calibre bridges layout, top class ‘moustache’ shaped pallet fork.
- ‘Wolf’s teeth’ winding wheels.
- Gilt plates and bridges.
- Blued screws.
Testing Results
- Testing duration: 2 weeks cyclic test.
- Average timekeeping range: 20-50 sec/day.
Servicing and Guarantee
- Fully serviced with disassembly in our Bristol shop.
- Mechanics in full working order – has passed preventative maintenance and testing.
- Genuine leather strap with thread detailing.
- 12-month warranty.
- Guarantee Terms and Conditions.
Links and Resources:
Vacheron & Constantin Serial Number Catalogue.
Vacheron & Constantin Movement of Similar Age and Style.
Vacheron & Constantin Company Heritage (Official Website).
