44 Vacheron Constantin Extremely Fine and Very Rare, Minute Repeating Wristwatch, in 18k Yellow Gold, Two-Tone Dial, With Box and Vacheron Constantin Certificate, Reference 4261

Estimate: €200,000 –⁠ 400,000

Model: Minute Repeater
Reference: 4261
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1954
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 13
Case N°: 328 056
Movement N°: 501 908
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Accessories: Box and Vacheron Constantin Certificate
Literature: Sold at Christie's “An Evening of Exceptional Watches” 6 June 2019, as lot 13 for 356,250 USD

Vintage minute repeating wristwatches are among the rarest and most desirable trophies in the current collector market. From the 1930s thru the 1950s, due to the extreme cost and complexity of production, an exceedingly small number of minutes repeating wristwatches were made by an even smaller number of the finest houses. During the 1940s and 1950s, Vacheron Constantin produced a very small number of minutes repeating wristwatches under the reference number 4261. It is estimated that in total the brand manufactured fewer than 40 of pieces in yellow gold, pink gold and platinum combined, utilizing two different movements housed in two cases sizes (34 mm and 36 mm) with a variety of dial colors and designs. Due to its understated elegance and sophistication, it comes as no surprise that reference 4261 is considered to be among the most spectacular of all of Vacheron Constantin’s vintage production. Produced in 1954, the current example in yellow gold is in remarkably well-preserved condition: distinguished by its large 36 mm ultra-slim case housing an ultra-thin caliber and stylish teardrop lugs, this exceptional timepiece is certainly one of the most elegant minutes repeating wristwatches to have been made in the last 70 years. Production of reference 4261 is already very limited but the rarity of the present lot is further underlined by the fact that less than a third of the entire production utilized a 13″’ line movement housed in a 36 mm case. In addition to the large gold case with sculpted tear drop lugs, the current lot features a captivating and flawless two-tone dial. In truly extraordinary condition with a sharp and pronounced hallmark on the lug and a magnificent, strong tone, the current lot is an exceedingly rare opportunity to own one of the finest time only minutes repeaters ever manufactured by Vacheron.