Vacheron & Constantin 18ct Gold Keyless Pocket Chronometer
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1908
Maker / issuer
Vacheron ConstantinThis Vacheron & Constantin keyless pocket chronometer, completed in 1908, is housed in a four-body, 18ct gold "demi-bassine" case measuring 54 mm in diameter. The watch features a white enamel three-piece dial with Empire numerals and a sunk subsidiary seconds register, complemented by gold spade-style hands.
Internally, it is equipped with a 20-ligne gilt brass movement containing 21 jewels and a straight-line lever escapement. Technical components include a balance adjusted by P. Wehrli, a blued steel balance spring with a terminal curve, and a swan-neck micrometric index. The case back bears the monogram "A.G.", and the gold cuvette features a commemorative dedication dated 1888-1913. The watch was sold on November 21, 1913, to Paccard & Cie for presentation to M.
Alexis Grenier. It was previously awarded a Mention Honorable at the 1909 Geneva Astronomical Observatory timing contest, achieving a score of 664 marks.
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
- Pocket chronometer & deck watch
- Maker
- Vacheron & Constantin
- Awards
- Mention honorable at the 1909 Geneva Astronomical Observatory timing contest
- Diameter
- 54 mm
- Case Number
- 215562
- Movement Size
- 20 ligne
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Completion Date
- 1908
- Movement Number
- 344675
- Maker / attribution
- Vacheron & Constantin
Design
- Case and Dial
- The external case back is engraved with the monogram "A.G.", indicating its original personalization. The protective gold cuvette features an engraved dedication referencing the years 1888-1913, serving as a permanent record of the timepiece's commemorative history. The dial is composed of a three-piece white enamel construction, featuring clear Empire-style hour numerals. A sunk subsidiary seconds dial is integrated into the primary face. The dial carries the signature of the manufacturer, Vacheron & Constantin, Genève.
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial with Empire numerals • Gold spade hands • Monogram 'A.G.' engraved on the case back • Gold cuvette with dated dedication
- Provenance and Documentation
- This chronometer was completed in 1908 and remained with the manufacturer until its sale on November 21, 1913. It was purchased by Paccard & Cie and subsequently presented to M. Alexis Grenier, an event commemorated by the inscription on the cuvette. The watch is accompanied by its original fitted box and the original certificate issued by the manufacturer. The auction description reports that the lot includes photocopies of the 1909 timing contest records.
- Movement and Technical Specifications
- The internal mechanism is a 20-ligne gilt brass movement fitted with 21 jewels. The watch employs a straight-line lever escapement and includes a balance specifically adjusted by P. Wehrli. The oscillator consists of a blued steel balance spring featuring a terminal curve, further regulated by a swan-neck micrometric index. The watch performance was formally evaluated in 1909 during the Geneva Astronomical Observatory timing contest. The technical data provided in the original documentation confirms a mean average daily rate of +/-0,31 and a mean error in six positions of +/-0,39.
Identification
- Serial number
- 344675
- 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: Dedication is dated 1888-1913 while the watch was completed in 1908
- Research required: Specific mechanical performance attributes depend on the provided timing contest documentation