Vacheron & Constantin

• manual winding nickel lever movement, highly jewelled, bi-metallic Guillaume compensation balance, swan neck regulator, repeating on two polished steel hammers onto two gongs • 18k yellow engraved gold cuvette •  white enamel dial, Breguet numerals, four subsidiary dials indicating day, date, months calibrated for leap year combined with 30-minute register, fan form aperture for moon-phase combined with ages of the moon, outer calibrated rail track for 1/5 of seconds • polished case engraved with monogram TJW, sliding band to the side for minute repeating  • case, dial, cuvette and movement signed

The movement is running at the time of cataloguing and the functions and minute repeater are operating. However it might benefit from a service in the near future. Dial is nice and clean. Case with light scuffs from wear. Overall in beautiful condition. Cuvette engraved : Vacheron Constantin Chronometre, For uncle John with Ida Birkins, Gratitude and Love, June 26th 1923
"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."

Despite a long tradition in the manufacture of complication watches, very few Vacheron Constantin watches with perpetual calendar, minute repetition and chronograph are known to the market. The signature to the dial is most unusual, appearing as it does in full to the base of the dial beneath the outer tracks. The complexity of the dial configuration does not easily allow the placement of the full Vacheron & Constantin signature to the main body of the dial; its transference to the lowest part of the dial is, therefore, a logical design initiative.

Interestingly, a watch of similar date, complications and design is illustrated in Lambelet & Coen, The World of Vacheron Constantin, p.228 – again with a very complex dial, that example does not feature a signature at all.