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·手動上弦擒縱機芯，25顆寶石，雙簧三問報時 · 雙色鍍銀錶盤，交錯格狀飾紋時標圈，立體金雕刻匕首形時標，刻鐘位置備立體阿拉伯數字，珍珠外環分鐘刻度 · 18K金錶殼， 階梯式斜面錶圈，錶側設三問報時滑桿，淚滴形錶耳，撳扣式錶背蓋 · 錶殼、錶盤及機芯印有品牌標誌

* 拍品資料以英文圖錄為準。

An extremely rare and unique piece. Dial in very good condition. Movement running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Case back with minor scuffs. Crystal has small scratch. Gongs are in working order, however it is chiming out of phase. Has a very crisp and elegant sound. With a Certificate of Authenticity from Vacheron Constantin.
"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."

With a Certificate of Authenticity from Vacheron Constantin.

The present example is offered on behalf of a Distinguished Family in whose care the watch has remained until the present. Offered for the first time at auction, this highly important minute repeating wristwatch is noted for its striking two-tone dial, made more unusual and rare by the configuration and choice of hour markers.

Among the few examples of Ref. 4261 known to exist, the majority feature Roman numerals, and in some examples, baton indexes. According to our research, there is only one other watch known, no. 501906, which features the sculpted dagger and Arabic numerals at the quarters such as the present example. The present lot and the aforementioned piece differ most notably in the fact that the present lot features a dramatic and immediately recognizable two-tone dial. Bearing this research in mind, it can be deduced that the present lot may be unique within the coveted Ref. 4261 genre.

During the 1940s and 1950s, Vacheron Constantin produced a very small number of minute repeating wristwatches under the reference number 4261. It is estimated that in total, fewer than 40 examples were created. The model is considered to be among the most spectacular of all of Vacheron Constantin's vintage production. It is known for its distinctive and large case featuring handsome teardrop lugs. The extremely slim movement is perfectly proportioned to ensure the watch's case remains elegantly slim. The overall effect is one of understated sophistication: the watch's classic design conceals the extreme complexity of the highly engineered movement.

Two examples of Ref. 4261 with different dial layouts are illustrated in Cologni, F. Secrets of Vacheron Constantin, p. 224.