Vacheron & Constantin 18ct Gold Amethyst-Set Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
first part of the XIXth. century
Maker / issuer
Vacheron ConstantinThis Vacheron & Constantin watch, identified by serial number 8323, dates to the first part of the nineteenth century and is attributed to Geneva. The object is a fine 18-carat two-coloured gold piece heavily decorated with amethysts.
The case is a double-body 'forme quatre baguettes fermée' design, featuring an engine-turned band and chased bezels set with amethysts. The cover incorporates an eccentric dial aperture and is adorned with a finely chased gold bouquet of flowers set with amethysts, all on an amati ground. The reverse of the case features similarly chased floral decoration on an amati ground with further amethyst settings. The dial itself is engine-turned gold with a small eccentric polished chapter ring and blued steel Breguet hands.
Internally, the watch houses a gilded brass full-plate movement featuring cylindrical pillars, a fusee and chain drive, and a verge escapement with a plain brass three-armed balance.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Enamel, form & pendant watch
- Maker
- Vacheron & Constantin, Genève
- Diameter
- 39mm
- Material
- 18ct two-coloured gold and amethysts
- Escapement
- Verge escapement
- Case Design
- Double body forme quatre baguettes fermée
- Movement Type
- Gilt brass full plate
- Serial Number
- 8323
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Vacheron & Constantin
Design
- Visible features
- • Cover displays a bouquet of chased flowers and amethysts • Dial is engine-turned with a small eccentric chapter • Case perimeter is decorated with set amethysts
- Movement and Escapement
- The watch is powered by a gilt brass full-plate movement. The power delivery system is a traditional fusee and chain arrangement. The watch utilizes a verge escapement, which operates in conjunction with a plain brass three-armed balance. The balance is equipped with a flat balance spring and a ruby endstone. The back plate of the movement carries the signature of the makers. The overall condition of the movement is described by the auction house as very good.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The timepiece is housed in a double-body 'forme quatre baguettes fermée' case crafted from 18-carat two-coloured gold. The case construction includes an engine-turned band and bezels finished with chased metalwork and inset amethysts. The exterior of the cover features a chased floral bouquet set with amethysts against an amati ground, with a corresponding decorative motif on the back of the case. The dial is composed of engine-turned gold. It is configured with an eccentric polished chapter ring for the Roman numerals, which provides contrast to the remainder of the dial surface. The watch is equipped with blued steel Breguet-style hands.
- Provenance and Historical Context
- Attributed to the first part of the nineteenth century, the watch is identified by the serial number 8323. The auction documentation suggests that this particular example is representative of the early production output of the association between the founders, Vacheron and Constantin. The watch is presented here as part of lot 200. No further provenance or history is provided regarding previous ownership or literary references.
Identification
- Serial number
- 8323
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The auction description refers to the stones as amethysts, but visual inspection suggests a red hue consistent with garnets or rubies
- Research required: The dating to the 'first part of the XIXth. century' is an estimate provided by the auction house