In the first decade after the turn of the twentieth century when someone referred to a gentleman's watch they most often meant one object - a large, timing instrument kept in the pocket. When the first World War erupted, demand rose sharply for these novel watches as Allied servicemen needed a more suitable way to a access their vital timepieces.
The fine midsized Vacheron & Constantin timepiece featured in this offering is an example of one of the company's early wristwatches.
Often referred to as a Trench Watch, watches like this one enabled an officer to coordinate his men's activities with precision with just a glance at his wrist. With its easy to read porcelain dial its pocket watch heritage is clearly visible.
Originally intended for men but by today's standard a "boys" size / small midsize watch, it is well-suited for someone who doesn't have large wrists.
Its case is in excellent condition with light wear and two pin pricks in the back. On the wrist it presents nicely. Its very cool original and untouched enamel dial is just short of perfect mint.
One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment. The movement is very clean. Photos of the inside available upon request.
It is running exceptionally strong and true. Amazingly, after nearly a full century it continues to keep time on par with a brand new high-end watch in our testing position.
Included with the purchase is a one-year international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.
- Manufacturer: Vacheron & Constantin
- Country of origin: Switzerland
- Serial no.: 399,027
- Year built: c. 1925
- Functions: Hours, Minutes, Subsidiary Seconds
- Designed for: Men - a small mid-sized watch by today's standard
- Case material: Sterling silver
- Case markings (inside): Correctly stamped, case number 250,580, numerous hand-etched watchmaker's marks showing an extensive service history.
- Case condition: Excellent with light wear and two pin pricks in the back
- Dimensions: 28mm diameter (excluding crown) by 34mm long lug-tip-to-tip
- Dial: White porcelain, black painted Art Deco Arabic numbers, signed Vacheron & Constantin, outer minute track, original and untouched, just short of perfect mint with one slight hairline near 12 visible under magnification
- Hands: Original, blue steel Breguet "moons", bluing mostly no longer present on minute hand
- Movement type: Extremely high grade, Vacheron & Constantin, frosted gilt, manually wound, cut bimetallic compensation balance, Breguet overcoil hairspring, index regulator
- Movement markings: Vacheron & Constantin with Maltese Cross, Geneve, Suisse, 399,027
- Band: Genuine Java lizard, remborde, lightly worn very good condition, equipped with watch's original or period correct unsigned buckle. We also stock a variety of others straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
- Crystal: Mineral glass, excellent condition
- Serviced: One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
- Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running exceptionally strong and true. Amazingly, after nearly a full century it continues to keep time on par with a brand new high-end watch in our testing position.
- Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email [email protected] for details.
- Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
- Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee
