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VACHERON CONSTANTIN | IMPORTANT YELLOW GOLD HUNTING CASED MINUTE REPEATING WATCH WITH WESTMINSTER CHIMESMADE IN 1958
Estimate
100,000 - 200,000 CHF
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Description
- Vacheron Constantin
- IMPORTANT YELLOW GOLD HUNTING CASED MINUTE REPEATING WATCH WITH WESTMINSTER CHIMESMADE IN 1958
Dial: silvered Calibre: 19’’’ nickel movement, lever escapement, four hammers striking on four gongs Movement number: 542'034 Case: 18k yellow gold Case number: 363'948 / 43'829 Dimensions: 56 mm Signed: dial and movement Accessories: Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives, facsimile letter from Vacheron Constantin and travel case
Condition
DIAL: in overall good condition with some spots and discoloration on the sub-dial, hands show minor scratches CASE: in overall very good condition with nice tight hinges, hallmarks are visible. There is a dent in the band at 2 o clock. MOVEMENT: running at the time of cataloguing, minute repeater complication is running with a very nice tone and clarity.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
The present lot is one of only two examples made by Vacheron Constantin with Westminster Chimes. Confirmed by a facsimile letter dated October 3rd 1995 from Vacheron Constantin. The facsimile also confirms the sale in Bombay on 8th of November 1958. The melody, comprised of 4 notes in 5 arrangements, also known as the Cambridge Quarters, was written in 1793 and first used in the clock tower of St Mary the Great University Church, Cambridge, England. Of course after this, during the the 19th Century, their adoption for use in Big Ben at the Palace of Westminster gained the melody global renown.
It is clear then that to allow a watch of this scale the ability to chime so complex an arrangement would have required on the most skilled craftsmen in its construction.
It is clear then that to allow a watch of this scale the ability to chime so complex an arrangement would have required on the most skilled craftsmen in its construction.