VACHERON CONSTANTIN SIGNED CÉSAR VACHERON & CIE | A FINE AND VERY RARE YELLOW GOLD OPEN-FACE MINUTE REPEATING KEYLESS WATCH WITH ENAMEL DIAL, MADE FOR RUSSIAN MARKETNO 1599 CIRCA 1867

• manual winding movement, two hammers repeating on two gongs • white enamel dial, Roman numeral, subsidiary seconds • 18k yellow gold hinged case, case back with a double-headed eagle coat of arms, minute-repeating slide to the band • case, dial, cuvette, and movement signed

The movement in working condition at the time of cataloguing, and the repeating mechanism is repeating in phase with a nice tone and clarity. The crystal with minor surface wear toward the center and at 1 o'clock and 3 o'clock. The dial with a minor scratch through the 1 o'clock position.The hands with signs of tarnishing. The case is very heavy and is extremely well preserved for its age. There is some light surface wear throughout but more than consistence of the age of the watch. The enamel coat of arms is in very good condition with only light losses to the center. It is complete and has very nice colors. Crisp hallmarks to the bow. Very light signs from opening but overall a really exceptional example. The 14k gold chain is a very attractive condition but is associated to the watch and not original.* Please note that the movement has not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's expense. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
"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."

Accompanied by a matching heavy gold chain chain. In 1844, César Vacheron took over from his father, Jacques Barthélemy. Jacques was only 57 years old at the time but with the Industrial Revolution is full swing; he felt time to hand over the reins to his young, talented and very energetic son, César. In 1867, Jean-Francois Constantin retired and César Vacheron decided to change the name of the company to César Vacheron & Cie. Two years later, the name of the company was changed again to Charles Vacheron & Cie when César’s son joined the company at only age 22. It was not until 1875 that the companies name was restored to what it is famous for today, Vacheron & Constantin.

The present watch is an incredibly rare example of a Vacheron Constantin to be signed, César Vacheron & Cie. The watch itself is in excellent overall condition and fitted with a very heavy gold case stamped VC.

What further distinguishes this watch is the enamel coat of arms decorated to the case back. The coat of arms is for the Russian Empire. The two-headed eagle is crowned with two imperial crowns and a third enlarged crown sitting just above with two flying ribbon ends represents the Order of Saint Andrew. The eagle holds a golden sceptre and a golden globus cruciger. On the chest of the eagle are the arms of Moscow, depicting Saint George mounted on a horse defeating the dragon.