232 Vacheron Constantin Extremely Rare and Well Preserved, Minute Repeating, Perpetual Calendar, Split Second, Moon Phases Chronograph Pocket Watch in Yellow Gold

Estimate: €100,000 –⁠ 200,000

Model: Pocket Watch Grande Complication
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Year: 1925
Movement: Manual
Caliber: RA 19'''
Case N°: 228459
Movement N°: 400293
Dimensions: 52 mm
Signed: Dial, Movement and Case
Literature: The present watch has been sold in Sotheby's Geneva Auction of 12 November 2013 as lot 268 for 125.000 CHF

Vacheron Constantin stands as the epitome of enduring watchmaking excellence, boasting an illustrious 266-year history marked by the creation of some of the most intricate wrist and pocket watches in the industry. In the modern time, precisely in 1993, a significant milestone was reached with the introduction of a new family of super-complicated pocket watches, exclusively available through special client orders as part of the prestigious “Complications” collection. In the past despite Vacheron Constantin’s rich tradition in crafting complicated timepieces, only a handful of watches featuring a perpetual calendar, minute repetition, and split-seconds chronograph have graced the market like the present lot from the ’20s. The dial of this exceptional timepiece bears a most unusual signature, spanning the entire base beneath the outer tracks. The complexity of the dial’s configuration posed challenges for placing the full Vacheron & Constantin signature on the main body. Thus, the strategic placement at the lowest part of the dial reflects a logical and innovative design initiative. This pocket watch, a sublime embodiment of horological mastery, serves as a testament to the brand’s unwavering dedication to precision and elegance. Encased in polished 18k yellow gold, the watch exudes timeless sophistication. It’s beating heart, the cal. RA 19“' nickel lever movement, features 39 jewels and a bimetallic compensation balance, all concealed by a gold cuvette for an added layer of refinement. The white enamel dial, adorned with Arabic numerals, orchestrates a symphony of complications. Subsidiary dials for day, month (combined with a 30-minute register), and leap-year indication in French offer a multifaceted temporal display. The date and constant seconds share the stage with an aperture for moon phases, while the outer track is calibrated for the chronograph, seamlessly blending beauty and functionality. Turning the timepiece reveals a case back bearing a unique engraved monogram, adding a personalized touch to the golden canvas. Every element of this masterpiece is meticulously signed, from the case to the dial, the movement, and the cuvette, underscoring the unparalleled craftsmanship and artistry synonymous with the enduring legacy of Vacheron Constantin.