Famed for their incredible dress watches and impeccable craftsmanship, Vacheron Constantin has evolved over the years from their position in the shadows of their fellow "Holy Trinity" members, Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe, to a watchmaker that is revered throughout the entire watchmaking industry. Crucial to this development was their attractive dress watches like what we have here, with its stunning champagne dial boasting Roman numerals, an enlarged running seconds subdial, and blued steel hands. Boasting a beautiful 18kt yellow gold construction and hailing from the late 1930s, this timepiece speaks to the aesthetic tastes of its time and the preferences that followed long into the mid-century period. Made using a French case, as denoted by its French hallmarks, this example marries a Swiss movement, the Vacheron cal. 453, with a French construction – an unusual piece of history that is visibly traceable. Boasting elegant lugs and a proportionate flat bezel, this timepiece’s elegant construction is in no doubt what gives it its powerful wrist presence considering its classical proportions and 33mm diameter.

The gold case is in good condition, showing signs of wear, including scratches and nicks. The hallmark on the case side remains crisp. The winding crown shows noticeable wear to its finish. Caseback and mid case are marked with French Eagle hallmark, denoting that they were made in France. The dial has several noticeable marks and scratches on its surface- it has been refinished at some point. The watch is fitted with a leather strap and a gold-plated buckle. Please note that the watch ticks at time of cataloging, but timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.

A thin gold dress watch with a mid-century aesthetic, a unique traceable history, and wonderful craftsmanship throughout, this timepiece highlights Vacheron's talents as a watchmaker.