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Lot #4408

Vacheron Constantin Pocket Watch Retailed by Fouquet-Gueudet Paris 18k YG ca. 1904

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Introduction

Famed for their intensely luxurious eye for detail and unparalleled heritage within the watchmaking industry, Vacheron Constantin has long been at the top of the horology pyramid and a famed member of the “Holy Trinity”. While their modern plaudits come from their incredibly crafted wristwatches, the brand began by creating pocket watches, like so many other watchmakers that began life during the 19th century and before. As such, it is pocket watches, like the example we have here draws attention to Vacheron Constantin’s unwavering level of craftsmanship. Featuring an 18kt yellow gold construction, a stunning white dial with painted Roman numerals and Arabic numerals alongside gold Louis XV hands and crisp inscriptions such as Vacheron’s own name and co-signature of its original retailer Fouquet-Gueudet Paris, this example’s display is a classily executed embodiment of grace, sophistication and decorum. Featuring a an elegant construction from front to back, with a beautiful engraved monogram, this pocket watch is a stunning example in the idea that less is more. Featuring a beautifully-finished manual-wind movement, this pocket watch shows why Vacheron Constantin has been widely regarded as one of horology’s best watchmakers for centuries now.

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Grade

V 8.5

Status

Vetted & Approved

Included

Vintage Box (Not original to watch)

Est. value range

$4,000 – $8,000

The Details

Brand

Vacheron Constantin

Dimensions

31mm

Model

Pocket watch

Movement

Manual-wind

Reference

Retailed by Fouquet-Gueudet Paris

Bracelet

N/A

Year

Circa 1904

Condition

Excellent

Material

18kt yellow gold

Included

Pocket watch and box

Dial Color

White

THE DIAL
THE DIAL

Boasting a bright white dial with black inscriptions for the Roman numerals that make up its hour markers, Arabic numerals that make up its minute scale, and maker and retailer co-signature, this example's display is busy yet refined.

THE CASEBACK
THE CASEBACK

Not content with its dial being co-signed with their name at 12 o'clock, Fouquet-Gueudet Paris had the caseback engraved with the retailer's name and location.

THE MOVEMENT
THE MOVEMENT

While we have been unable to get a timing machine readout, the pocket watch's manual-wind movement does run and appears to keep time.

Condition

case size: 31mm

The watch is in overall excellent condition. The yellow gold case shows some scratches and marks, as expected of a watch of this vintage. There is a partially legible hallmark on the winding stem. The monogram engraving on the outer case back remains very well defined. The inside of the outer case back has a crisp stamp, hallmark, and Vacheron Constantin cross, while the inner case back features sharply engraved retailer details. The inside of the inner case back also shows the matching case number and a well-defined hallmark. The enamel dial is excellent, with both the retailer and Vacheron Constantin signatures clearly visible, along with some light surface marks. Comes with a fitted box from another retailer (Not original to watch).

Our Perspective

A wonderful example of mid-century watchmaking, this Pocket watch remains relevant today as an example of true understated design and how watchmakers focused on the important details first, such as movement finishing and placed subtle hints of their craftsmanship in smaller details, such as this example's yellow gold hands and beautifully decorated case.

Justin Gruenberg

Co-founder