Vacheron & Constantin Indirect Center-Seconds Dress Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1920
Maker / issuer
Vacheron ConstantinThis 14K yellow gold keyless dress watch by Vacheron & Constantin is an indirect center-seconds timepiece manufactured for the American market circa 1920. Measuring 45.5 mm in diameter, the four-body 'demi-bassine' case features a polished finish, a curved bezel, and a semi-concealed hinge.
The white enamel dial is adorned with black Breguet numerals and a perimeter track marked with fifths-of-a-second divisions and Arabic five-minute numerals. The time is displayed via black Breguet hands. Internally, the watch is powered by a 16 1/2''' rhodium-plated movement with 19 jewels, featuring wolf’s tooth winding, a straight-line lever escapement, and a cut bimetallic compensation balance adjusted to 8 positions.
Regulation is managed by a swan-neck micrometer and a blued steel Breguet balance spring. This lot is accompanied by a period Vacheron & Constantin presentation box.
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
- Open-face watch
- Maker
- Vacheron & Constantin
- Diameter
- 45.5 mm
- Movement
- 16 1/2''' Rhodium-plated
- Adjustments
- 8
- Case Number
- 216765
- Serial Number
- 385629
- Case Signature
- E.E.R.
- Dial Condition
- Hairlines present
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Vacheron & Constantin
Design
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial with visible hairline cracks • Black Breguet-style hour and minute hands • Polished demi-bassine yellow gold case • Integrated crown and bow assembly
- Case and Dial Design
- The watch is housed in a 14K yellow gold four-body case identified as 'demi-bassine' style. The assembly includes a gold crown and bow, showing light signs of use consistent with age. The white enamel dial serves as the primary interface, featuring bold black Breguet numerals. An outer chapter ring delineates time with precise fifths-of-a-second divisions, interspersed with Arabic numerals every five minutes. The hands are fashioned in the Breguet style, providing legibility against the white enamel ground. The dial is signed 'Vacheron & Constantin' and 'Genève'.
- Movement and Escapement
- The movement is a 16 1/2''' caliber, rhodium-plated and equipped with 19 jewels. It incorporates technical features including wolf's tooth winding, which reduces wear on the transmission gears. The escapement is a straight-line lever type, acting upon a cut bimetallic compensation balance fitted with timing screws to counteract temperature fluctuations. Further regulation is provided by a swan-neck micrometer and a blued steel Breguet balance spring. The movement is marked with 8 adjustments, indicating a focus on precision timing.
- Signatures and Condition
- Interestingly, the gold case is signed 'E.E.R.', which denotes a case manufacturer involved in the production process for the American market during this period. While the case and movement are reported as 'Good', the dial exhibits hairlines.
Identification
- Serial number
- 385629
- 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 exact condition of the interior movement mechanism is subject to an recommended overhaul.
- Research required: The case is signed E.E.R., indicating potential case manufacture outside of Vacheron & Constantin's own facility.