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Vacheron & Constantin, Exceedingly Rare and Historically Important "American 1921" Circa 1919. ...
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Description
Vacheron & Constantin, Exceedingly Rare and Historically Important "American 1921" Circa 1919Case: 31.5 mm x 42 mm lug to lug, 18k yellow gold, case no. 239,802, made by J.E. Caldwell & Co
Dial: white, offset enamel dial, luminous Arabic numerals, luminous cathedral hands
Movement: Vacheron & Constantin manual winding movement, 16 jewels, bi-metallic balance adjusted to 5 position, friction-set jewel setting, Côtes de Genève damaskeening
Band: 18k yellow gold, Vacheron & Constantin Maltese cross stamped, fits up to a 6 1/4 in. wrist comfortably
Signed: 61.4 grams, gross weight, Vacheron signed on the dial, movement and bracelet, "J.E. Caldwell" signed on case
The present lot is a very rare, original example of Vacheron Constantin's "American 1921" model, dating to 1919, and is one of the rarest Vacheron Constantin timepieces to appear publicly. The "1921" is one of Vacheron's most iconic watch designs, with the traditional watch display turned 45 degrees, either to the left or to the right. There were two series of the model "1921" produced. The present timepiece is an example of the 1919 series, characterized by luminous Arabic numerals, luminous cathedral-style hands, and the dial and crown being offset to the right(at about the 2 to 3 o' clock position). The second series, produced in the model's year 1921, had black painted Breguet numerals, blued Breguet-style non-luminous hands, and had the dial offset towards the left, with the crown adjusted accordingly and sitting at the (traditionally) 10 o' clock position. Both series were believed to be produced upon special request for the American market, with exceedingly low production figures of 6 watches per series, with only 12 watches produced in total.
The present example is from the 1919 series, and is in excellent condition. The watch's design is archetypal of the period, with a cushion-style case and a dial that is nearly identical to those on the brand's pocket watches allocated to the American Corps of Engineers. The watch appears to have been lovingly cared for. Despite the dial being conceived of delicate white enamel, it shows minimal hairline cracks, as the watch was likely rarely worn enough to render any serious wear and tear. The original owner was surely very fond of the watch, as later on in the watch's lifespan, the owner returned the watch to the brand, and requested that Vacheron Constantin replace the original leather strap with a luxurious 18k yellow gold woven mesh bracelet. This bracelet, still with the watch is as preserved as the watch itself, with minimal stretch, no slack in the clasp and crisp, legible hallmarks. The movement is also in good condition, with the côtes de Genève damaskeening still visible on the bridges, and few and far between watchmaker marks on the inside of the caseback.
Original Vacheron "1921" examples have rarely shown up publicly, let alone at auction. Of the luminous dials, the auction appearances in recent years are as follows:
Fellows Auctioneers, "The Watch Sale", UK, January 31st, 2017, lot 338
Bonhams, "The Art of Time", New York, October 16th, 2019, lot 23*
*though this example is also luminous, the dial is in the traditional format, rather than offset.
There have also been two public offerings of the 1921, "non-luminous" dial series examples:
Antiquorum, "The Quarter Millennium of Vacheron Constantin", Geneva, April 3rd, 2005, lot 176
Sotheby's, "Important Watches", Hong Kong, October 7th, 2012, lot 2149
The present lot, delivered to New York in September of 1919 is further accentuated by being offered with a Certificate of Authenticity from Vacheron Constantin, after its return trip to the manufacturer at their headquarters in Geneva. Fully documented and offered with full certification, this lot presents an excellent opportunity to own an exceedingly rare example of one of the brand's most iconic watch designs.
Heritage Auctions would like to thank Vacheron Constantin for their cooperation in the documentation and full certification of this fine and historically significant timepiece.
Condition Report*:
Type: Vacheron & Constantin, Exceedingly Rare and Historically Important "American 1921" Circa 1919
Dial: white, offeset enamel dial, luminous Arabic numerals
Hands: luminous spade style hands
Metal: 18k yellow gold
Gram Weight: 61.4 grams, gross weight
Case: #case no. 239,802, made by J.E. Caldwell & Co
Case Length: 42 mm lug to lug
Case Width: 31.5 mm
Watch Movement: Vacheron & Constantin manual winding movement, 16 jewels, bi-metallic balance adjusted to 5 position, friction-set jewel setting, Côtes de Genève damaskeening
Band: 18k yellow gold, Vacheron & Constantin Maltese cross stamped, fits up to a 6 1/4 in. wrist comfortably
Circa: 1921
Condition: this exceedingly rare and historically significant timepiece presents in very good, all original condition. The enamel dial has survived in excellent condition, though has three noticeable hairline cracks: one vertical between the 1 and 2 o' clock marker, from the sub-dial to between 5 and 6 o'clock and again between the 7 and 8 o'clock. Lume on hands and dial believed to be original, and register heavily on Geiger counter. The acrylic crystal has a slight vertical scratch between the 5 and 6 o'clock. Front edge of case has a small dent, adjacent to the 7 o'clock. Bottom lugs have likely been resoldered at some point. Top lugs have a generic spring bar, as opposed to the flathead screw-down springbar on bottom lugs. 18k bracelet believed to have been added by the brand at some point in the watch's lifetime. Caseback shows remnants of factory satin finishing. Movement runs and sets as it should. Heritage does not guarantee timekeeping accuracy. We always recommend servicing for daily use and timekeeping accuracy.
*Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder.
Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact,
and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "AS IS".
Dial: white, offeset enamel dial, luminous Arabic numerals
Hands: luminous spade style hands
Metal: 18k yellow gold
Gram Weight: 61.4 grams, gross weight
Case: #case no. 239,802, made by J.E. Caldwell & Co
Case Length: 42 mm lug to lug
Case Width: 31.5 mm
Watch Movement: Vacheron & Constantin manual winding movement, 16 jewels, bi-metallic balance adjusted to 5 position, friction-set jewel setting, Côtes de Genève damaskeening
Band: 18k yellow gold, Vacheron & Constantin Maltese cross stamped, fits up to a 6 1/4 in. wrist comfortably
Circa: 1921
Condition: this exceedingly rare and historically significant timepiece presents in very good, all original condition. The enamel dial has survived in excellent condition, though has three noticeable hairline cracks: one vertical between the 1 and 2 o' clock marker, from the sub-dial to between 5 and 6 o'clock and again between the 7 and 8 o'clock. Lume on hands and dial believed to be original, and register heavily on Geiger counter. The acrylic crystal has a slight vertical scratch between the 5 and 6 o'clock. Front edge of case has a small dent, adjacent to the 7 o'clock. Bottom lugs have likely been resoldered at some point. Top lugs have a generic spring bar, as opposed to the flathead screw-down springbar on bottom lugs. 18k bracelet believed to have been added by the brand at some point in the watch's lifetime. Caseback shows remnants of factory satin finishing. Movement runs and sets as it should. Heritage does not guarantee timekeeping accuracy. We always recommend servicing for daily use and timekeeping accuracy.
Auction Info
2023 June 1 Fine Watches & Timepieces Signature® Auction #5540 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2023
1st
Thursday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 25
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 4,647
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