Vacheron Constantin Manual Winding Wristwatch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1894
Maker / issuer
Vacheron ConstantinThis wristwatch is an 18K gold and platinum timepiece featuring a pietra dura dial constructed from lapis lazuli, bloodstone, and white chalcedony. The watch is powered by a caliber 10R cylinder movement, numbered 179008, which was produced by Vacheron & Constantin and delivered to the Parisian jeweler Ferdinand Verger in 1894.
The case, numbered 178226, is decorated with diamonds set into the bezel and both diamonds and rubies set into the side of the case. The watch is fitted to a moiré silk strap secured by an 18K gold clasp. Its aesthetic design is noted by the source as being inspired by a nineteenth-century Breguet watch described as a 'boite à incrustations'. The watch is accompanied by a pouch and a letter from Vacheron Constantin regarding its history and the delivery of the movement.
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
- Hand-wound wristwatch
- Maker
- Vacheron Constantin
- Caliber
- 10R cylinder
- Materials
- 18K gold, platinum, diamonds, rubies, lapis lazuli, bloodstone, white chalcedony
- Case number
- 178226
- Movement number
- 179008
- Movement delivery
- 1894
- Maker / attribution
- Vacheron Constantin
Design
- Visible features
- • Pietra dura dial with inset white circular numeral markers • Diamond-set bezel and crown • Row of rubies set into the side of the case band • Moiré silk strap with gold clasp
- Case and Dial Construction
- The timepiece features a complex decorative exterior constructed from 18K gold and platinum. The bezel is paved with diamonds, while the side of the case band displays a decorative row of rubies. The winding crown is also set with diamonds. The dial is an example of pietra dura, an inlay technique incorporating lapis lazuli, bloodstone, and white chalcedony. The hour markers consist of inset white discs.
- Movement and Collaboration
- The watch utilizes a caliber 10R cylinder movement, which measures 22 mm in diameter. Historical documentation indicates that Vacheron & Constantin provided this movement to the Parisian jeweler Ferdinand Verger in 1894. This movement was part of a batch of six delivered to the jeweler, illustrating a documented professional collaboration between the manufacturer and Verger during this period.
- Historical Context and Condition
- The watch is attributed to the late 19th century. The source indicates that the design draws inspiration from a 19th-century Breguet watch described as a 'boite à incrustations'. Regarding its current state, the auction description reports that the movement requires an overhaul. The case is described as having slight scratches, while the dial is categorized in good condition.
Identification
- Reference
- N950.001AAKKK.NYRRO
- Serial number
- 178226
- 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 manufacturing origin of the case is not explicitly stated beyond its collaboration with Ferdinand Verger
- Research required: Historical inspiration from Breguet remains a stylistic comparison noted by the source rather than a verified production connection