VACHERON CONSTANTIN | A MAGNIFICENT AND RARE WHITE GOLD AND DIAMOND-SET TONNEAU-FORM BRACELET WATCHKALLA DUCHESSE CIRCA 2006

• cal. 1400 manual winding movement, 20 jewels • dial set with multi-shaped step-cut diamonds • 18k white gold tonneau-form case, bezel highlighted with multi-shaped step-cut diamonds • with an 18k white gold integrated Vacheron Constantin bracelet entirely set with step-cut diamonds with clasp, case back secured by 8 screws • case, crystal and movement signed

The movement in working condition at the time of cataloguing. Dial, case and bracelet are all in excellent condition with no visible blemishes and almost no signs of wear. All stones intact and sparkling. Overall in excellent condition, appears to be unworn. * Please note that the movement has not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's expense. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
"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."

Accompanied by a Vacheron Constantin loupe, travelling pouch and presentation box. In early years, watches were the status symbols and mostly talismans for their wealthy owners for whom beauty and elegance were of utmost importance. Diamonds, rubies, sapphires and many other previous stones were used to decorate the watch. Gradually, precious stones were used not just to highlight a watch’s contour, but as a decoration in their own right.

Throughout its long standing history, Vacheron Constantin has been wedding finest gemstones to haute horology with fantastical artistry. Continuing this tradition, Vacheron Constantin created the legendary Kallistia watch in 1979. Meaning “the most beautiful” in Greek, the watch was an exceptional jewellery watch set with 130 carats of diamonds. Since then, Vacheron Constantin has released a series of Kalla watches and the stunning diamond-set watches have become synopsis with the luxury watchmaker Vacheron Constantin. The range of Kalla models extended to numerous variants including the Lord, King, Lady Kalla, Count and Countess Kalla, Kalla Pagoda and Vague Kalla.

In 2006, Vacheron Constantin released a new addition to its Kalla series, Kalla Duchesse. Characterised by its undyingly elegant and refined aesthetics, this exceptional timepiece is entirely set with diamonds – in addition to the 98 step-cut diamonds which weight approximately 6.60 carats that decorate the dial; around 739 multi-shaped cut diamonds which cover both the case and bracelet of approximately 45.9 carats. A genuine masterpiece, each diamond is cut precisely to its assigned shape to fit in the spherical tonneau-form case and magnificently reflects the splendid paving on the watch.

To the best of our knowledge, the Kalla Duchesse has never been offered in any public auction before. Sotheby’s is pleased to offer this quintessential jewellery watch which seamlessly integrate design, craftsmanship and gemstones.