Vacheron Constantin/ Verger/ Vladimir Makovsky

• rectangular manual winding nickel lever movement, 15 jewels • mother-of-pearl and lapis lazuli-set dial including the interior of the panels depicting an heavenly garden, applied black enamel Arabic numerals • 18k yellow gold case decorated with two mother-of-pearl bands of flowers, panels of jade, diamond and jade-set platinum mounts to the front, onyx rings on the sides with enamel ties, the onyx top surmounted by a lotus-form agate pusher to open the doors, all on an 18k yellow gold, onyx and agate stand • movement signed Vacheron Constantin and Astral, case back signed Verger France and Black Starr and Frost, dial signed VM for Vladimir Makovsky

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be require. Movement running while cataloguing. Dial and hands look in good condition. Case in very good condition with a scuff to the agate base, one tie a bit moving. Overall in good condition. Extremely rare and attractive piece.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Beautifully encapsulating the Art Deco design spirit, the present lot showcases the talents of some of the finest maisons of the era. In the rarefied world of 1920s desk timepieces, small objects d’art take on even greater charm as time-telling instruments. In this example, the case, dial and movement represent the work of some of the most important makers, culminating to create one of the most alluring examples of its type.

The movement is signed by Vacheron Constantin, whose work is found in some of the most celebrated pieces of this type. In creating these masterpieces, they worked in close collaboration with Verger Frères, a renowned French firm who was known to be the Paris representative of Vacheron Constantin between 1880 and 1930. In this partnership, Vacheron Constantin would create movements, and upon arrival in Paris, Verger Frères would case them in watch and clock cases. Additional items from this collaboration were also retailed in many of the other fine jewellery salons of the era, such as Tiffany & Co., Lacloche Frères, Ostertag, Charlton & Co, and in the present example, Black Starr & Frost.

These pieces made brilliant use of carved hardstones, favouring Eastern-themed motifs, resembling Buddhist figures or exotic creatures such as elephants, gazelles, parrots and monkeys.  

The intricately detailed mother-of-pearl dial is the work of Vladimir Makovsky, an artist whose works made frequent reference to the exotic lands and faraway adventures after a lifetime of travels. His creations can be found on pieces made for Vacheron Constantin, Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier, among others. 

In the present example, the representation of an heavenly garden is exquisitely rendered. It is breathtaking to see such a juxtaposition of colours and textures in such small format. The attention to details is also extremely high with for example the shadow of the fawn in the water.

For additional desk clocks made by Verger Frères for Vacheron Constantin, see Cologni, F., Secrets of Vacheron Constantin, p. 330-1. For pendant watches made by the two firms with chinoiserie motifs, see pages 286 and 302.  See also pieces on view in the summer 2011 exhibition 'Treasures of Vacheron Constantin: A Legacy of Watchmaking since 1755', held at the National Museum of Singapore. These pieces are illustrated on pp. 179-181 of the exhibition catalogue.