Vacheron Constantin

• cal. P454/83 manual winding nickel lever movement, 17 jewels • cloisonné enamel dial in cerulean blue, turquoise and teal, the chapter ring with a geometric design, applied dagger and triangular indexes, sweep center seconds • unusual triangular lugs, snap back • case, dial and movement signed

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing, however it may require service soon. The dial in beautifully preserved condition with Vacheron & Constantin printing barely visible above 12 o'clock when dial is removed from case and 'BREVETE' barely visible below 6 o'clock when dial removed from case. The case also well presereved with light scratches and slight divots to caseback. The strap of this watch contains endangered species; please see Important Notices for further information. Please note that the tie-tag is numbered for another watch.
"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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

With a fitted presentation box and tie-tag.

Vacheron Constantin has confirmed production of this Ref. 4720 with gold cloisonné enamel dial in 1953 and the original sale of this timepiece to a New York client on December 7th, 1953.

Made for the American market in 1953, this cloisonné enamel wristwatch exemplifies the extremely high level of workmanship that Vacheron Constantin is renowned for presenting to the horological world. Vacheron Constantin's mastery of watchmaking and the art of enameling is combined in this single timepiece making it prized trophy for the most discerning collector.

Vacheron Constantin's tradition of craftsmanship dates to the company's founding in 1755. During the 18^th and 19^th century, the company produced many examples of fine watchmaking that highlighted the art of enameling. In the mid-20^th century, celebrating 200 years of history in 1955, Vacheron Constantin continued to surprise the world with horological works of art. In this mid-20^th century spirit, the design and inspiration of the presently offered lot was created in the form of this superlative timepiece.

According to our research, this Ref. 4720 was part of a series of 4 timepieces that were made in 1953 and sold in New York. Each of these timepieces featured different case designs and different reference numbers. Other known examples is this series are:

 • Ref. 4823 MVT 495801 CASE 333098, Offered Antiquorum Geneva, lot 257, Nov. 11, 1994, "The Art of Vacheron Constantin

• Ref. 4830 MVT 495802 CASE 335589, Antiquorum Geneva, lot  724, Oct. 21, 1995,

Offered directly from the family of the original owner, the presently offered Ref. 4720 MVT 495804 CASE 336810 is a previously unknown treasure to horological scholarship. The movement is stamped with VXN, Vacheron Constantin's US import mark, confirming the watch was also made for the American market. The dial is signed Vacheron & Constantin above 12 o'clock and discreetly reminds the wearer of the maker without upsetting the aesthetic balance of the cloisonné dial.

Each of the dials in this series of watches appears to have been produced by Beyeler, a competitor of Stern Freres and Singer dial makers. Beyeler produced dials of all types including cloisonné dials on special order for major Swiss makers including Vacheron Constantin and Rolex. In 1997, Beyeler was purchased by Rolex.

The art of cloisonné is rarely seen on a Vacheron Constantin and surviving examples show the attention to detail offered to each of these timepieces. In order to produce one of these masterpieces, thin gold wire is first carefully placed on a primary layer of enamel. The enamellist then carefully mixes glass and oxides to create the perfect color and places the enamel on the dial. During this process, the enamel is fired up to 7 times to achieve the perfect balance of color and stability. The art of the enamellist is the ultimate expression of patience and discipline.

For additional information, see:

Treasures of Vacheron Constantin, A Legacy of Watchmaking Since 1755, Vacheron Constantin exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore, 2011, p. 198. Also see Cologni, F. Secrets of Vacheron Constantin, p. 324.