Lot 254
  • 254

Vacheron Constantin

Estimate
80,000 - 120,000 USD
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Description

  • A UNIQUE AND HIGHLY IMPORTANT PLATINUM SKELETONIZED TOURBILLON WRISTWATCH WITH POWER RESERVE INDICATION AND PINK GOLD MOVEMENT NO 1 REF 30051/000P-8864 MVT 842336 CASE 705358 PATRIMONY TOURBILLON LES COMPLICATIONS MADE IN 1999
  • pink gold alligator
  • diameter 37 mm
• cal. 1760 finely pierced and engraved 18k pink gold lever movement, 28 jewels, mono-metallic balance rotating within a one-minute tourbillon carriage • transparent dial, baton hour markers, outer minute track, dauphine hands, fan-form sector for power reserve indication, seconds hand mounted on the tourbillon carriage • platinum case, sapphire crystals, straight lugs, stepped bezel, snap on display back, edition number No. 1 engraved to the case band at 4 • case, dial and movement signed • with a platinum Vacheron Constantin buckle

Condition

A unique and highly impressive piece in excellent condition. Movement running at time of cataloging, however not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Dial and movement in excellent condition. Scratch at 9 o'clock. Case in excellent condition with minor surface scratches. The present lot contains endangered species which is subject to restrictions upon international export. Accordingly, the strap for this item will be removed prior to shipment outside the United States.
"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

Accompanied by a presentation box, folder containing chronometer bulletin and technical data sheets, certificate of authenticity, promotional book, warranty booklet and service booklet. 

The present lot is further accompanied by a letter from Vacheron Constantin noting that this piece was 'produced only in 2 unique pieces in 1999.' Similar models were produced in limited series in rose gold, and a diamond-set model is also known. Until the present offering, the existence of this highly important piece, cased in platinum, has been undocumented in public records.