Vacheron Constantin 18ct gold gents antique watch - c1905

Where do we start? This is quite simply one the most rare and exceptional early Vacheron Constantin gents watch we have seen in twenty years. The Vacheron Constantin museum have indicated that they would like to purchase the watch but w would rather offer it to our customers than wait months for their process.

Dating from the very early years of the 20th Century, maybe as old as 1905, the watch was possibly part of a run of only a handful; not even Vacheron know for sure. This was the era of the first wrist watches, or ‘wristlets’ as they were then known as. This was so early that the watch companies used their existing pocket watch design to make cases for the new dawn of wristwatches, adapting them for the wrist. But we assure you that this watch was originally made for the wrist.

This beautiful watch is in simply excellent unrestored condition, with no very little wear for a watch of this age - it is clear that it has not seen much use. The watch features a solid 18ct gold double hinged case, original winding crown, perfect mint unrestored porcelain dial (no chips, cracks or fading, original blued-steel hands (pin set) and a clean, freshly serviced hand-wound Vacheron Constantin movement. It comes complete with a new quality leather strap and a new non-Vacheron presentation box. It really does make a very impressive statement on the wrist, something different with a history, and will only rise in value. We would estimate that an offline Bond Street jewellers would ask in excess of £10,000 for the watch. Please note that the watch is small by todays larger standards (see case measurements below).

A note about Vacheron Constantin. Vacheron made their first watch in 1755 and are history’s oldest watch makers in continuous production since. They began making watches almost 100 years earlier than Patek Philippe. Along with Patek they are acknowledged to be the world’s finest watchmaker.

We offer a full refund if you are not entirely happy with your purchase. We also provide a full receipt, six months guarantee (long enough for you to assess the working order) and a professional insurance valuation (We are approved to provide insurance valuations for wrist and pocket watches). We also welcome you to come and view the watch at our central London address - by appointment only. We offer our customers online prices - below value - with offline availability and service.

The solid 18ct gold double hinged case is in excellent original condition, with no significant wear. It measures 30mm wide, excluding the original winding crown x 10mm thick x 35mm long, including the 18ct gold fixed bar lugs. The front of the case opens on a hinge to reveal the dial and the case back closes on a hinge, with an inner cuvette (lid) covering the movement. Both hinges are in very good order, with no issues and the various parts of the case open and closes correctly. The outside of the inner cuvette is engraved ‘J. Besforges 34 Elizabeth St London. S.W.’ and ‘Swiss’. The inside of the outside case is signed with the the Vacheron & Constantin cross with hallmarks for Swiss solid 18c gold, along with the numbers ‘1’ & ‘190208’. The inside of the inner cuvette has the same markings and is also 18ct gold.

The original, unrestored porcelain dial is in perfect bright condition, with no chips, cracks, fading or restoration, which is rare for un unrestored porcelain dial from this early era. It is signed ‘Vacheron & Constantin Genéve’. The original blued steel hands are in excellent, unbent condition, and the lens is very clear. Please note that the hands are set by pressing the tiny button on the side of the case next to the winding crown and turning the crown.

The hand-wound Vacheron Constantin movement is in very good, clean condition and is signed ‘Vacheron & Constantin’ and the ‘312983’ reference number. The movement has just been serviced by a master watchmaker and is in very good working order for its age, with no issues.

This amazing watch is on a quality leather strap and comes complete with a new non-Vacheron watch case.

An incredibly rare, highly collectible watch from one of history’s most exclusive watchmakers; full of meaning and history. Will provide an excellent financial investment as well as a possession to enjoy.