Vacheron Constantin

• cal. 13''' manual winding nickel lever movement, 25 jewels, repeating on 2 polished steel gongs • silvered dial with guilloché outer ring, applied Roman and dagger indexes, baton hands, outer most pearled minute divisions • 18k yellow gold polished and brushed case, repeating slide to the band, tear-drop lugs, snap-on back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Vacheron Constantin buckle

The movement is not working but the time is striking correctly. Dial in good condition, composite crystal. Case with light scuffs throughout. **The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species, please refer to important notices for further information**.
"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."

During the 1940s and 1950s, Vacheron Constantin produced a small number of distinctive minute repeating wristwatches using the reference number 4261. It is believed that less than 40 examples were made. The 4261 model is considered to be amongst the most spectacular of all Vacheron Constantin's vintage production. The present lot is a superb example of the reference, its distinctive and large circular case featuring handsome, tear-drop lugs. The extremely fine and slim movement is perfectly proportioned to ensure the watch's case remains elegantly slim. The superb silvered dial has an engine-turned chapter ring with applied numerals and outer pearled minute track. The overall effect is one of understated sophistication: the watch's classic design conceals the extreme complexity of its highly engineered movement. A very similar example with matching case and dial configuration and with movement number 451905 (sequentially three numbers before the present lot), was offered in these rooms at the auction of "69 Exceptional 20th Century Watches" on May 13th, 2003, lot 64. For a further similar example, see Sotheby's, New York, February 8th, 1991, lot 525.