Vacheron & Constantin Stainless Steel Wristwatch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 1950
Maker / issuer
Vacheron ConstantinThis Vacheron & Constantin wristwatch, produced circa 1950, is housed in a two-body stainless steel case measuring 32 mm in diameter and 9 mm in thickness. The watch features a water-resistant construction with a stepped bezel, a screwed-down case back, and concave lugs, complemented by an internal dust-protecting cap.
Powering the timepiece is the Calibre 458/3B, a rhodium-plated movement finished with fausses cotes decoration. The movement incorporates 17 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a beryllium balance adjusted to temperatures. It also includes a shock absorber, a self-compensating Breguet balance-spring, and a micrometer regulator. The two-tone silvered dial displays applied gold lapidated indexes and Arabic numerals, with subsidiary seconds at the six o'clock position.
The time is indicated by blued steel baton hands. The dial, case, and movement are signed by the maker.
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
- Dimensions
- 32 mm diameter, 9 mm thickness
- Case Number
- 321662
- Dial Finish
- Two-tone silvered
- Jewel Count
- 17
- Case Material
- Stainless steel
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement Number
- 498268
- Movement Calibre
- Cal. 458/3B
- Maker / attribution
- Vacheron & Constantin
Design
- Case and Dial
- The watch is presented in a two-body stainless steel case that exhibits both polished and brushed finishes. The design incorporates a stepped bezel and a screwed-down case back, which the source identifies as water-resistant. The exterior includes concave lugs and an internal dust-protecting cap to secure the movement. The dial is finished in a two-tone silvered tone, featuring applied gold lapidated indexes and Arabic numerals to mark the hours. A subsidiary seconds register is positioned at six o'clock. The time is read via blued steel baton hands that contrast against the dial surface.
- Visible features
- • Two-tone silvered dial with Arabic numerals and gold indices • Blued steel baton hands visible • Concave lugs attached to the polished and brushed case
- Movement and Escapement
- The timepiece is driven by the Vacheron & Constantin Calibre 458/3B. This rhodium-plated movement is embellished with fausses cotes decoration and is equipped with 17 jewels. It utilizes a straight-line lever escapement for timekeeping. Precision is maintained through a beryllium balance adjusted to temperatures, paired with a self-compensating Breguet balance-spring. The movement also features a shock absorber and a micrometer regulator to facilitate accurate timing adjustments.
- Condition and Attribution
- The auction description reports the object is from circa 1950. The grading system provided assigns an 'AA' overall grade, with the case and dial categorized as 'Good'. The documentation states that the dial, case, and movement are signed by Vacheron & Constantin. The source emphasizes that stainless steel cases for the company from this period are uncommon compared to their production of precious metal examples.
Identification
- Serial number
- Movement No. 498268, Case No. 321662
- 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 an overhaul is recommended
- Research required: The movement condition is reported as 'Good' but the source notes it specifically as 3*