Vacheron & Constantin Tourbillon Observatory Chronometer No. 428884
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
ca. 1940
Maker / issuer
Vacheron ConstantinThis Vacheron & Constantin observatory chronometer, serial number 428884, is a specialized timing instrument produced around 1940 for participation in competitive events at the Geneva Observatory.
The object features an observatory calibre known as 'RA 19'' Tourbillon' and is housed in its original case intended for contest use, which is glazed on both sides. The movement incorporates a tourbillon mechanism, wolf's toothing, and is finished with Geneva stripes. The watch retains an original signed enamel dial and is equipped with blued steel hands. Records indicate the movement participated in observatory competitions sixteen times between 1947 and 1968, winning 1st place twice.
Unlike other examples later recased in gold for commercial sale, this piece remains in its original contest housing and is accompanied by an extract from the company archives confirming its provenance and original construction.
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
- Date
- ca. 1940
- Type
- Tourbillon & karrusel watch
- Maker
- Vacheron & Constantin
- Case Type
- Original case for contest, glazed on both sides
- Serial Number
- 428884
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Calibre Designation
- RA 19'' Tourbillon
- Competition History
- 16 times between 1947 and 1968
- Maker / attribution
- Vacheron & Constantin
Design
- Visible features
- • Movement features a tourbillon carriage visible through the case back • The movement plates exhibit Geneva stripe finishing • The winding gear displays wolf's toothing • The watch is presented in a metal-finish case with a long stem
- Movement and Construction
- The watch is powered by a Vacheron & Constantin observatory calibre specifically designed for competition purposes. The movement, identified as 'RA 19'' Tourbillon', features traditional high-grade horological finishes, including Geneva stripes on the plates and wolf's toothing on the winding wheels. A tourbillon regulator is integrated into the movement, designed for the high-precision requirements of observatory testing. The watch is housed in an original, contest-specific case. It is constructed to be glazed on both sides, a configuration intended to allow inspection of the movement during competition cycles. This specific example remains in its original state and has not undergone the aftermarket recasing into gold housings that other similar movements from the manufacturer's stock experienced in the 1980s and 1990s.
- Competition and Provenance
- The chronometer was created in 1940 for the purpose of participating in competitive timing trials held at the Geneva Observatory. It maintained a consistent presence in these events for over two decades, appearing in competitions sixteen times between 1947 and 1968. The watch achieved significant performance results during this period, including two 1st place finishes. According to the documentation, these movements were not originally intended for commercial sale or public circulation. The current offering is accompanied by an extract from the Vacheron & Constantin archives, which confirms the authenticity of the movement and its history, noting specifically that it has never been removed from its original competition housing.
- Authentication and Documentation
- The auction description reports that confirmation of the watch's authenticity has been secured directly from Vacheron & Constantin. This validation includes a formal extract from the manufacturer's archives. The documentation serves to distinguish this piece from other 'sister movements' that were later modified by the manufacturer's Atelier Cabinotiers for the 'Coffret Observatoire' project. The documentation provided with the lot covers the entirety of the movement's competition record. This includes data relevant to the watch's performance across its documented history at the observatory, ensuring the preservation of its provenance as a competitive timing instrument.
Identification
- Serial number
- 428884
- 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 composition of the 'original case' material is not explicitly stated in the source text
- Research required: The long-term functional condition of the movement is described as 'in working order' by the auction house but was not independently verified