Vacheron & Constantin 'Montre de sac à volets' purse watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1920s
Maker / issuer
Vacheron ConstantinThis 14K yellow gold purse or desk watch, identified as a 'Montre de sac à volets', was produced by Vacheron & Constantin in the 1920s and retailed by Brand-Chatillon Co.
The rectangular timepiece measures 45 x 32 mm and features a keyless winding mechanism. Its exterior includes reeded sides, engine-turned front and back panels, and an applied eagle decoration on the reverse. The watch incorporates mechanical shutters operated by gold thumb bars that open to reveal the dial. The matte silver dial is adorned with applied gold Breguet numerals and an outer minute ring, indicated by gold 'cathédrale' hands.
Power is provided by a rhodium-plated 9 1/2''' movement containing 17 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a cut bimetallic compensation balance adjusted to three positions, regulated by a blued steel Breguet balance spring. The movement is signed by the manufacturer, while the retailer's name appears on the dial.
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
- Material
- 14K yellow gold
- Retailer
- Brand-Chatillon Co
- Dimensions
- 45 x 32 mm
- Escapement
- Straight line lever
- Case Number
- 5134
- Jewel Count
- 17
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement Caliber
- 9 1/2'''
- Maker / attribution
- Vacheron & Constantin
Design
- Visible features
- • Retractable side shutters manipulated by thumb bars • Applied gold Breguet numeral indices on dial • Engine-turned surface texture on the case • Reeded pattern along the case edges
- Dial and Movement
- The watch features a matte silver dial marked with the name of the retailer, Brand-Chatillon Co. Time is indicated using applied gold Breguet numerals and gold 'cathédrale' style hands, framed by an outer minute ring. Internally, the watch is powered by a rhodium-plated, 9 1/2''' caliber movement. It contains 17 jewels and a straight-line lever escapement. The assembly includes a cut bimetallic compensation balance, adjusted to three positions, and is fitted with a blued steel Breguet balance spring.
- Case and Exterior Design
- The object is a rectangular purse or desk watch constructed from 14K yellow gold. Measuring 45 by 32 mm, the case is engineered with reeded sides and engine-turned surfaces on both the front and back. A decorative applied eagle figure is situated on the case back. Functionality is provided by an integrated shutter system operated via gold thumb bars. These shutters reveal the dial when retracted. The watch operates on a keyless winding system, facilitating its use as a portable timepiece that can be protected within its own housing.
- Signatures and Condition
- The movement is signed by the manufacturer, Vacheron & Constantin, and the case bears a specific serial number, 5134. The retailer's name, Brand-Chatillon Co., is present on the dial. The auction description provides a grading assessment for the object, noting the case and movement as 'Good'.
Identification
- Serial number
- 410828
- 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 recommends an overhaul for the movement
- Research required: Condition of the dial and case is rated using a grading system with limited detail