Vacheron Constantin. A fine and large 18K gold openface keyless lever watch
Vacheron Constantin. A fine and large 18K gold openface keyless lever watch

SIGNED VACHERON & CONSTANTIN, GENÈVE, CHRONOMÈTRE ROYAL, MOVEMENT NO. 355'979, CASE NO. 220'625, MANUFACTURED IN 1911

Details
Vacheron Constantin. A fine and large 18K gold openface keyless lever watch
Signed Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, Chronomètre Royal, movement no. 355'979, case no. 220'625, manufactured in 1911
Gilt-finished fully jewelled lever movement, bimetallic compensation balance, micrometer regulator, wolf tooth's winding, gold cuvette, white enamel dial, Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds, circular engine-turned case, back centred by red and blue enamel initials MU, case, cuvette, dial and movement signed
57 mm. diam.

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Lot Essay

According to the Archives of Vacheron Constantin, the present watch was manufactured in 1911.

Following its reputation as a precision timepiece maker, Vacheron Constantin decided to launch such watches not only destined for competition but also for actual use; consequently, in 1907, the Chronomètre Royal was born. The name was filed for trademark on 28 May of the same year and on 8 May 1908 trade mark protection was filed for its English translation "Royal Chronometer".

The idea was simple: a precision instrument robust enough for everyday use and extremely legible. The Chronomètre Royal was not adorned with any frills or superlative movement finish, it was a technical watch and as such the movement had no high grade aesthetic finish typical of the Genevan style but a more simple gilt finish (as in the movements used in competition), the dial was white enamel (chosen as it does not oxidate) and the a gold case (with some rare models in silver) with a guilloché or engine-turned back cover.

The highly successful model remained in production until the early 1930s and was revived in 1958 with the launch of the legendary Chronomètre Royal wristwatch.

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