Vacheron & Constantin Silver Single-Button Chronograph Pocket Watch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1918
Maker / issuer
Vacheron ConstantinThis single-button chronograph pocket watch by Vacheron & Constantin is catalogued to circa 1918. Sotheby's reports that it was commissioned by the U.S. Army during the World War I era to supervise railroad operations and coordinate troop movements.
The watch features a 52 mm bassine-style silver case (.900 European fine silver) with a snap-on case back. Its white enamel dial is inscribed 'CORPS OF ENGINEERS, U.S.A.' and 'VACHERON & CONSTANTIN GENEVE', fitted with oversized Arabic numerals, skeletonized hands with aged luminous material, and a subsidiary seconds or register dial at 6 o'clock.
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
- Dial
- White enamel with oversized arabic numerals
- Type
- Chronograph & split-seconds watch
- Case back
- Snap-on
- Case size
- 52 mm
- Case style
- Bassine style
- Commission
- Commissioned by the U.S. Army in 1918
- Case material
- .900 European fine silver
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Maker / attribution
- Vacheron & Constantin
Design
- Visible features
- • White enamel dial inscribed 'CORPS OF ENGINEERS, U.S.A.' and 'VACHERON & CONSTANTIN GENEVE' • Large outlined Arabic hour numerals filled with luminous compound • Blued skeletonized hands with partial luminous compound loss • Subsidiary dial located at 6 o'clock and outer calibrated minutes/fifths track • Pusher positioned on the case shoulder near 11 o'clock, with crown and bow at 12 o'clock • Rounded silver open-face case showing light surface wear
- Historical Context
- This Vacheron & Constantin timepiece is a chronograph dating to approximately 1918. The source states that the watch was commissioned by the U.S. Army in 1918 and was primarily used to supervise railroad operations and coordinate troop movements in France.
- Dial and Visual Features
- The white enamel dial is signed 'VACHERON & CONSTANTIN' and features the inscription 'CORPS OF ENGINEERS, U.S.A.' The dial displays oversized Arabic numerals and the hands show some loss of luminous material. The case is described as 52 mm with a bassine style.
- Condition and Record Limitations
- The movement was reported as running at the time of cataloging, but it was not tested for timekeeping accuracy or power reserve duration. The case shows light surface wear, and the enamel dial is described as intact.
Identification
- 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: Movement and interior case back are not pictured in the provided source record
- Research required: Source notes light surface wear on the case and luminous material losses on the hands