VACHERON CONSTANTIN | REF 30030A PINK GOLD SKELETONIZED MINUTE REPEATING WRISTWATCH CIRCA 2006

Dial: skeletonized, pink gold baton indexesCaliber: 1755SQ, 29 jewels, finely engraved and piercedMovement number: 927928Case: 18k pink gold, teardrop lugs, snap backCase number: 666390, No. 27Closure: 18k pink gold Vacheron Constantin buckleDimensions: 37 mm diameterSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Vacheron Constantin presentation box with outer packaging, Certificate of Authenticity dated February 17, 2006, bi fold, setting pin, polishing cloth, sales tags, booklets, leather booklet, a collection of Vacheron Constantin books

CASE The case is in excellent overall condition, with minimal wear. The case, in our view, has most likely never been polished. The outer packaging is with a tear. DIAL/MOVEMENT The dial and movement are in excellent overall condition. The minute repeating function is operating properly. The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. ***Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to international shipping.***
"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."

Widely acclaimed as one of the finest manufacturers, Vacheron Constantin made its first minute repeating watch in 1812 and its first minute repeating wristwatch in 1930. In 2015, they produced what is regarded as the most complicated watch in the world, the Reference 57260, including no less than 57 complications. The technical expertise and craftsmanship of producing a complicated movement to sit within a watch case remain as much of a challenge today as they were at their introduction and Vacheron Constantin continues to innovate and experiment. The reference 4261, originally produced in small numbers during the early 1940s was one such experiment where Vacheron managed to house the minute repeating movement in an extremely thin case that measured only 3.28mm thick.

Decades later, in 1991, Vacheron Constantin unveiled the thinnest minute repeating movements of that time. This calibre was such a tour de force that it was named after the founding year of the company: 1755. 

It was produced in two versions, the minute repeating movement, such as the present lot, and one that was combined with a perpetual calendar (Ref. 30020). Only 200 examples of this calibre were made in total, for the most part with a more traditional dial (Ref. 30010) and some with the skeletonized dial (Ref. 30030) in limited series, in either rose gold or platinum.

Despite the state of the art complications, there was no compromise on the design of the watch. The manufacture has long been associated with their playful and distinctive watch case designs and we can often find a nod to the archives within the modern case designs. The 1940s and 50s were after all the height of creative case design for Vacheron Constantin and the elegant proportions and tear-drop lugs of the original Ref 4261 are echoed in this present day Ref. 30030. The present watch perfectly combines this lineage with a modern yet timeless twist through its most attractive finely pierced and engraved movement.