Vacheron Constantin

• cal. RA 19''' nickel lever movement, 39 jewels, bi-metallic compensation balance • gold cuvette • white enamel dial, Arabic numerals, subsidiary dials for day, month combined with 30-minute register and leap-year indication in French, date and constant seconds with aperture for moon-phases, outer track calibrated for the chronograph • 18k yellow gold polished case, back with engraved monogram • case, dial, movement and cuvette signed

The movement is running and repeating at the time of cataloguing, the split chronograph is also operating, however the sound of the repeating mechanism is not good and it will require a service. The date is also not advancing on the calendar. The enamel dial with two very small chips to the edge of the constant seconds dial but this is barely visible. Case with light scuffs throughout. Back engraved with initials 'JK'. Accompanied by an insurance certificate dated 1999.
"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 split seconds 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 for 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, but without split seconds chronograph, was sold at Sotheby’s Geneva, 11 May 2013, lot 258, this watch also featured a signature to the lower edge of the dial. For another Vacheron Constantin watch with similar complications to the present lot, see Lambelet & Coen, The World of Vacheron Constantin, p.228.