alex
7312
Some of the nicest VCs
Guys start saving up because the 2 upcomming Geneva auctions from Antiquorum (Nov 11-12) and Christies (Nov 13). Have some astounding Vacheron Constantins for sale. It seems that after a bearish market (few pieces for sale, interesting prices but nothing ground breaking) for vintage VC?s right after the Quarter Millenium sale the offer and desire for vintage VCs is picking up again. I guess collectors needed to digest the 2005 sale before coming back for more.
Antiquorum
As usual its Antiquorum who gets the ball rolling for the Nov Geneva sales
Lot 43 The movement of this quarter repeater was made in 1913 but only cased in 1946. According to Antiquorum this model could be a unique one due to the fact that the winding crown is at 6. Estimate: 70,000 CHF - 90,000 CHF , (45,000 EUR - 57,000 EUR / 55,000 USD - 72,000 USD)
Lot 199 A very surprising double dial 2 time zone pocket watch with each set of hand being independently set. Estimate: 17,000 CHF - 22,000 CHF (11,000 EUR - 14,000 EUR / 14,000 USD - 18,000 USD)
Lot 346 Ref. 6087 is one of my favourite VC chronographs (and for me VC has the most beautiful vintage chronos) Supposedly a total of 36 examples of this reference were produced from 1954 to 1959. Of these, 26 examples were in yellow gold, eight in pink gold, and two in platinum, made on special order. Estimate: 140,000 CHF - 160,000 CHF (90,000 EUR - 100,000 EUR / 110,000 USD - 130,000 USD)
CHRISTIE?S
Christie?s is doing an astounding job of bringing to the market rarely seen VCs, but it shouldn?t be a surprise since Aurel Bachs?, the head of the watch department, favourite brand is VC!
Lot 48 Chronometre Royal ref 4838 made in 1953. Not the most expensive lot on sale but a fantastic chronometer quality watch featuring hack seconds and an amazingly modern case design, the lugs remind me a lot of Peter Speake-Marin?s Piccadilly. Estimate of CHF 8 000 -12 000 (?5000-?7500 / $6000-$9500)
Lot 49 Known as the Cioccolatone Ref 6440 was launched in the 1950s and was considered HUGE for the epoch. Production lasted for about a decade. This lot is surprising for two reasons: the watch was made in 1970 and it has a black dial which makes it extremely rare. Estmate of 30.000-40.000 CHF (?19000- 25000 / $24 000 - $31500)
Lot 222Also called the Papillion because of its butterfly wing shape, the ref 4775 made in the 50s this is one of my favourite forme VCs. I love its extremely angular sides, there is a lot of tension on the case. Supposedly only 2 PG models of this reference are known. Estmate is CHF 30 000- 50 000 (?19 000 - ?31 000 / $24 000 ? $40 000)
Lot 343 We are all familiar with the gorgeous VC chronographs with tear drop lugs but VC also made, in an extremely small amount, a certain number of chronographs with scroll lugs, some of the latter having flexible lugs such as this model ref 4075 made in 1938. The black dial making it even more rare explain the CHF50 000 ? 80 0000 estimate (?31 000 ? ?50 000 / $ 40 000 ? $63 000)
Lot 435 Ref 92900?s movement dates from 1939 but was cased in platinum 50 years later in 1990. Only 2 of these were made upon special request. Estmated at CHF 70 000 ? 100 000 (? 44 000 ? ?63 000 / $55 000 ? 79 000)
