Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Hong Kong, Jun 28, 2014

LOT 127

VACHERON & CONSTANTIN CHRONOMETRE ROYAL YELLOW GOLD Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, Chronomètre Royal, No. 342698, case No. 209483. Made circa 1900. Very fine and rare, large-size, keyless, 18K yellow gold pocket lever chronometer.

HKD 35,000 - 55,000

USD 4,500 - 7,100 / CHF 3,900 - 6,300

Sold: HKD 42,500

Four-body, bassine, polished, sunray engine-turned case back. Hinged gold cuvette. White enamel with bold radial Roman numerals, outer minute track, large subsidiary seconds dial. Yellow gold spade hands. Cal. 22''' 2 PRC, frosted gilt, 18 jewels, wolf`s tooth winding, straight-line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring, swan-neck micrometer regulator.


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Grading System
Grade: AA

Very good
Case: 3-8

Good

Slightly scratched
Movement: 2*

Very good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 2-06

Very good

HANDS Partially replaced

Notes

Dial, case, cuvette and movement signed. DIAM. 57 mm. THICKNESS 17.5 mm. The name "Chronomètre Royal" was registered on May 28, 1907, under the number 22193. The "Royal Chronometer" name, for the English-speaking market, was registered on May 8 1908, under the number 23872. The first of these were a series of pocket watches delivered to Brazil. A certain A. Campos, one of Vacheron & Constantin's agents, had organized a lottery system in which subscribers would pay a monthly fee to take part in a series of draws. The holders of the winning tickets would be given a watch and the other subscribers would be entered into the next draw. This system proved to be so successful that A Campos delivered a total of 3022 watches between 22 October 1907 and 31 December 1911 - an amazing 80% of the production of the Chronomètre Royal, utilizing the caliber RA22"'73 made during this period. The Chronomètre Royal was made in several sizes, from 12 to 22 lines, and was housed mostly in gold cases, and rarely in silver ones.