Lot 209
  • 209

Vacheron & Constantin

Estimate
28,000 - 35,000 CHF
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Description

  • A FINE AND RARE WHITE AND PINK GOLD OPEN-FACED WORLD TIME KEYLESS WATCH WITH THREE-TONE DIALREF 3372 MVT 416362 CASE 257268 MADE IN 1933
  • white and pink gold
  • diameter 45 mm
• cal. RA 17''' 15/12 manual winding nickel lever movement, cut bi-metallic balance, 18 jewels • three-tone silvered dial, applied baton indexes, pearled minute divisions, rotating silvered ring calibrated for 24-hours with Arabic numerals, outer ring with black enamel names of 31 world locations • 18k white gold case with pink gold band and stylised bow • case, dial and movement signed

Literature

Lambelet, C. & Coen, L., The World of Vacheron Constantin, Editions Scriptar SA/Vacheron Constantin, p.396 (illustration).

Condition

Please note that the movement has not been checked for timekeeping accuracy and Sotheby's will not be held responsible for any repairs should they be require. The movement is running at the time of cataloguing. One of the 3 screws from the ratchet is missing but this is not effecting the movement and can be replaced. The dial with tarnishing to the outer ring and some light scuffs to the centre. The case with light scuffs throughout.
"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."

Catalogue Note

A photograph of this actual watch is illustrated in the Archives of Vacheron Constantin in Geneva, a copy of which is reproduced here. The archive photograph is numbered 3372 and is noted on the accompanying Vacheron Constantin Certificate of Authenticity. Examination of the archival image reveals the wonderful state of preservation of this watch with its superb three-tone silvered dial. The handsome, dress watch style case is made from 18k white gold that is accented with a pink gold band, pendant and bow.
The world time mechanism of this watch was made for Vacheron Constantin by Louis Cottier (1894-1966). Cottier was born in Carouge, his father, Emmanuel Cottier, was himself a watch and automata maker. As an independent watchmaker, Louis Cottier opened his own workshop in Carouge, making watches, wristwatches and desk clocks. He specialized in watches without hands, jumping digital hours and other unusual displays, as well as “angle” aviator watches and automata. In 1931 he invented the “Heure Universelle” (World Time) mechanism and made this complication for famous manufacturers such as Agassiz, Patek Philippe, Rolex and Vacheron Constantin. Made in 1933, the present watch is one of the earliest to feature Cottier’s “Heure Universelle” complication. Cottier’s complication is elegantly designed and intuitive to use: by setting the hands to the current time zone and rotating the inner bezel so that the local time zone location is shown at the 12 o’clock position, the recessed 24-hour indication adjusts automatically so that one can view the current time in 31 different locations around the world. Because the case, dial and movement are all integral to the technical function of the watch, Louis Cottier supervised the production of each element. It is interesting to note that the present example, lists London and Paris on the same time zone, Greenwich Mean Time. On June 15th, 1940, Paris converted to Central European time due to the war.