Comments:
Well, talking about rarities, this one is a teardrop case in 14k with a 458/1B movement
I have not seen another yet and I couldn't find much about this 458/1B except from Dean on THL who noted that this one is an early version of the 458 which is based on the cushion shaped 457. I understand the 458/3B with a pith fork regulator is more familiar to collectors, but this one is quite unique and in mine looks and works flawlessly. Everything on this one is in mint condition and it is in the archives, and I have it in original box.
Very nice, but...
I don't see it as being rare. I just performed a quick search and found no less than five similar (teardrop) models with cal. 458/xx calibers.
Regards,
Tony C.
of course you will find that, but find a 458/1B in a 14k case
Mine is the only one out there, that is what I meant by rare, thank you so much for your quick search and post, great you noticed and thank you for your interst...Paul C.
Ah, I see
Thanks for the clarification.
It does appear that at least some of the 458/3B retained the simpler regulators:
It does appear that at least some of the 458/3B retained the simpler regulators:
yes Tony, and I can't even find any reference on 458/1B or another time piece with this movement in it,
it looks like this is it, I am very happy to have it and will post some more unique pieces from my collection...
How about the Crown.? and Seconds hand ?
Does the Crown in my post look Original as the Crown in your post ? Seconds hand seem shorter than your watch .
crown and second hand
The crown seems to be an unfortunate replacement and the second hand is too short; you need to have it authenticated by V&C and you need to open the case to check out the numbers. Only V&C archives can verify and issue a Certificate where you can first be assured the case and movement match and secondly that all is original; good luck...
Have you emailed VC and asked for their input, they have the serial number and case matching information which would help a lot, if the serial number on the movement and case number on the
case match then we can indeed say it is a rare bird 
14k doesn't come up often on these movements in this layout.
14k doesn't come up often on these movements in this layout. As well I noticed there isn't any Swiss on the dial any indication as to a replacement dial ?
Certificate from the Archives
can be ordered through an authorized V&C(VC) dealer in your area, call them and give them the case # and movement #; they will charge you up to $200 and you will have to wait 4-6 weeks to get a response; if the case and movement match, then they will issue a Certificate which will be sent to the dealer and they can mail it to you; if the numbers do not match, they will let you know; they might ask additional questions and they might want pictures of the timepiece; good luck to you...
Thank you
Thank you social1 for all your responses and seems Iam going to refrain from buying it since I found reference 33084 in mint condition . what do you think about Vacheron Constantin 33084 ?
You can just send them the case and movement number for $0 over email. Which you can find on VC’s website and do so in your PJ without getting out of bed...
If the numbers don’t match (ie they don't send you back the production year as each movement and caseback numbers were paired together) then you know its not a legitimate piece (ie paired together from two watches or a fake etc), if they do then you know youre one step closer to determining it legitimacy on your own and through the forum 
we all prefer the cheaper option as it leaves more money for actual VC watches hehehe as for my previous question, does your piece have Swiss on the bottom of the dial or is it empty?
we all prefer the cheaper option as it leaves more money for actual VC watches hehehe as for my previous question, does your piece have Swiss on the bottom of the dial or is it empty?