Comments:
Help identifying this Vacheron Constantin please
Hi all,
I hope this is within forum protocal.
I just opened the safe deposit box and found this VC watch inherited years ago. Even with the detailed appraisal (from 1996), I don't know the model name or year of manufacture (although I see some lists online based on movement number which would seem to pin this one around 1930).
Would anyone be able to offer any additional identifying information?
Many thanks,
Matt
I hope this is within forum protocal.
I just opened the safe deposit box and found this VC watch inherited years ago. Even with the detailed appraisal (from 1996), I don't know the model name or year of manufacture (although I see some lists online based on movement number which would seem to pin this one around 1930).
Would anyone be able to offer any additional identifying information?
Many thanks,
Matt
Welcome first time poster
V&C watches before 1938 did not have model names or numbers. Here are some observations on your watch:
- The movement number is circa 1926-28, but the case number should also have six digits so that is a major concern.
- There is a possibility the case was made by Verger Freres, but your document seems to indicate it was marked V&C and the case number given is wrong for them also.
- That case and dial design aren't present in the archive photos of that period found in The World of Vacheron Constantin.
- The painted radium markers are unusual for V&C of this date, which were usually applied batons or enamelled numerals on the very elegant platinum dress watches.
- and SWISS cannot be seen at 6 o'clock.
You will need to open the watch and post photos of the markings found on the inside of the case back, and the complete dial once it is free of the case. Also movement pics while you are at it. Its always easier to establish an incorrect watch than confirm a correct one, so keep in mind that 100% authentication can only come from VC's Heritage Department upon direct examination of the watch and comparison with their records.
Really appreciate tick-talk's detailed and thoughtful reply
I spent a couple of hours online before posting, including in The World of Vacheron Constantin, trying to pinpoint the watch. Thus your reply indeed adds to the mystery (is it possibly not a real V&C, even with professional appraisal involving Christie's watch person?!).
Not being a watch person, I'm guessing that I should not attempt to open it on my own in order to get photos as you suggest above. If not, would it be best to bring this to a good watch shop to do for me?
Not being a watch person, I'm guessing that I should not attempt to open it on my own in order to get photos as you suggest above. If not, would it be best to bring this to a good watch shop to do for me?
Don't attempt to open if you are not confident
One slip and you'll have a nasty scratch :-( I hate to continue speculating based on a document; the watch will tell its story once you have the right pictures.
last question before I find someone to open it
Assuming it is still functional, how would one get this watch to start moving... just winding gently?
Yes. Winding it will make it run, if it will run.
There is no need to make it run for long, so only wind it until it starts ticking, to confirm that it runs. Then, don't wind it again until you have it serviced.
The watchmaker who does the service should be able to make all the photos you need, or at least allow you to make them while he has it apart.
--Rick
The watchmaker who does the service should be able to make all the photos you need, or at least allow you to make them while he has it apart.
--Rick
VC Heritage Department info
Still working on having someone open watch, but here is the email I got back:
"Our Heritage Department in Switzerland responded today regarding the case/serial number 61002 and the movement number 404438 of your timepiece.
These numbers correspond to a movement sold on its own in 1927 in the US. The case have been probably made by an American watchmaker during the same period.
Please note that this information does not guarantee the authenticity of your timepiece. In order to have the authenticity established, your timepiece would need to be sent to our Heritage Department in Switzerland and physically examined by our experts there.
As always, I remain at your service.
Best regards,
Melanie
Vacheron Constantin
North America Concierge Service"
I'm just starting to learn about V&C watches. Is there a web page that explains how it works where a watch is authentic but was sold with separate movement and case from V&C Switzerland?
Thank you!
"Our Heritage Department in Switzerland responded today regarding the case/serial number 61002 and the movement number 404438 of your timepiece.
These numbers correspond to a movement sold on its own in 1927 in the US. The case have been probably made by an American watchmaker during the same period.
Please note that this information does not guarantee the authenticity of your timepiece. In order to have the authenticity established, your timepiece would need to be sent to our Heritage Department in Switzerland and physically examined by our experts there.
As always, I remain at your service.
Best regards,
Melanie
Vacheron Constantin
North America Concierge Service"
I'm just starting to learn about V&C watches. Is there a web page that explains how it works where a watch is authentic but was sold with separate movement and case from V&C Switzerland?
Thank you!
Yeah, it was called The Hour Lounge - RIP
V&C exported kits, consisting of movement, dial and hands, to North America to avoid the duties charged on complete watches. With this information, your case may be marked EER for Edmond E. Robert, their NA distributor based in New York.
I know nothing of the history of VC
But I would just make the ( rather obvious) observation that the dial looks very like the dial of the first Reverso from 1931. If it was made by an American watchmaker perhaps they may have copied that?
VC say the movement was exported to the US in 1927
the watch could have been made at any time after that. If if was made before 1931 the resemblance to the Reverso dial seems uncanny.
In fact the dial and the shape of the case
look like a crude attempt to copy this 1931 Reverso (picture from website of Timeandwatches.com)
