Vacheron Constantin Deck Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Circa 1941
Maker / issuer
Vacheron ConstantinThis large, open-face, keyless-winding pocket chronometer, described as a "Deck-Watch," was manufactured by Vacheron Constantin circa 1941 for the British hydrographic service.
Measuring 59 mm in diameter, the watch features a silver dial with large Arabic numerals and a subsidiary seconds dial positioned at 6 o'clock. Both the dial and the silver case bear the British Ministry "H.S" (Hydrographic Service) mark, accompanied by the broad arrow insignia and the identification number 9616. The watch is powered by a 21-ligne caliber movement featuring a lever escapement, a cut bimetallic compensated balance with gold poising screws, and an index regulator equipped with a swan-neck spring and micrometric screw.
The silver case was produced by the Fédération de Fabricants de Boîtes Argent (FFBA) with the identification mark of S. Graber, Renan. The movement is signed on the dial, case, and movement components, reflecting the watch's specialized military instrument designation.
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
- Date
- Circa 1941
- Type
- Pocket chronometer & deck watch
- Maker
- Vacheron Constantin
- Case Number
- 278801
- Movement Number
- 439616
- Case Manufacturer
- Fédération de Fabricants de Boîtes Argent (S. Graber, Renan)
- Military Markings
- British Ministry H.S broad arrow mark number 9616
- Maker / attribution
- Vacheron Constantin
Design
- Case and Dial
- The pocket watch features a large, round-shaped silver case measuring 59 mm in diameter. The case back is engraved with the military designation "H.S" followed by the broad arrow symbol and the number 12. The case is constructed to a keyless-winding design, featuring a substantial pendant and crown. The case was manufactured by the Fédération de Fabricants de Boîtes Argent, specifically attributed to S. Graber of Renan. The dial is silver in composition, configured with bold, large Arabic numerals for hour markers and a dedicated subsidiary seconds dial located at the 6 o'clock position. The center of the dial displays the maker’s name, "Vacheron & Constantin," alongside the specific identification number "9616."
- Visible features
- • Large Arabic numerals on the white dial • Broad arrow military markings on the dial and case back • Subsidiary seconds register at the 6 o'clock position • Keyless winding crown with a large pendant bow
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement is a 21-ligne caliber, designed for precision timekeeping consistent with a deck watch. The movement is equipped with a lever escapement. The balance assembly utilizes a cut bimetallic compensated design, which incorporates gold poising screws to maintain rate stability across varying temperatures. Adjustment is controlled by an index regulator, which includes a swan-neck spring and a micrometric screw for fine-tuning.
- Signatures and Attribution
- The watch is signed by Vacheron Constantin across its primary components, specifically the dial, the case, and the movement. The serial number for the movement is recorded as 439616, while the case bears the number 278801. These signatures identify the object as a product of the Vacheron Constantin workshops, commissioned or supplied for the British hydrographic service. The presence of the "H.S" and broad arrow marks on the dial and case serves as documentation of its official issue to the British hydrographic service.
Identification
- Serial number
- 439616
- 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 reports that the movement requires an overhaul at the buyer's expense
- Research required: The extent of wear on the silver case is noted as slightly scratched