Vacheron Constantin

Hi everyone, I 've just purchased this beautiful VC in rose gold from a reputable jeweler. It has manual movement and screw down back. 35mm diameter. I did some reseach and found similar model with ref# 6073 but with sweep second. Can someone help identify the exact ref #? Thanks a lot!

This message has been edited by Jason de Beijing on 2012-01-19 20:15:36

That case style is very familiar to most Vachonistas as it was used in several models of the 1950s and 60s.  The lugs are distinctive and were meant to represent arms of the Maltese Cross.  Cases with this style were available in 32 to 37mm sizes and and several calibers, although yours appears consistent with the early 1950s.  Likely Ref. 6105 with caliber 453, but once you share pictures of the movement and markings on the inside of the case back, more may be revealed.

Thanks tick-talk, the watch was indeed made in late 50s. I don't have the proper tools to open the case now so can't see the movement and caseback. I searched on the web for 6105 but did not find any, guess this ref is rare. I also have a vc chronograph from the 40s and they all have the raised enamel lettering which I think is beautiful. I heard that the enamel lettering used by VC and PP during the 40-60s was very difficult to make, and is an indication that the dial was never reprinted, is that true? Thanks again

Jason, you should check Antiquorum's online database...a great source. Search Vacheron 6105 and you will find a couple of examples that match your dial and case. As far as your other timepiece, you will have to post pics here or send me a pm.

which is a Chronomètre Royal with calibre 1007/BS.

Best regards,

Berny

The only way to know for sure is to open up the back of the case and provide pictures of the movement.  Actually you can easily see if it is a CR by seeing the the back of the case has "Chronmetre Royale" engraved on the back.  But I'm guessing if it was engraved, you would have mentioned it?  

Hi Dan . I trust you enjoyed SIHH and will write about it too? May I also suggest for those comfortable with handling their own watch that a Horb silicone ball should easily open most vintage screw-back cases...if it's too tight for the Horb then a watchmaker is definitely recommended.

Thanks tick talk, I looked it up in Antiquorum database and believe it is a 6105

Of course we are handicapped by working from a single picture, but that is part of the fun too! The CR version had unique dagger-style hands often described as Alpha type.

Wouldn't that be the one ?

I noticed that in 1960 he became Deputy Secretary of Defenses under the Einsenhower admninistration.

Some extracts :

James Henderson Douglas, Jr. (March 11, 1899 – February 24, 1988) was a lawyer and senior-level official in the United States Government. He was Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, serving under both President Herbert Hoover and President Franklin Roosevelt. During the Eisenhower Administration, he served in the United States Department of Defense as Secretary of the Air Force and Deputy Secretary of Defense.

Eisenhower Administration

Douglas quickly became was one of President Eisenhower key military advisors. He served as Under Secretary of the Air Force from 1953 until 1957. In May 1957, President Eisenhower appointed him as the fifth Secretary of the Air Force. He was the first Secretary of the Air Force to have previously served as a military air service officer.^[1]

As Secretary of the Air Force, Douglas helped establish the United States Air Force Academy.^[4] He authorized the Air Force Commendation Medal to replace the Army version of the award.^[5] Douglas advised the President regarding a course of action in response to The Soviet Union’s launch of Sputnik I in October 1957. He also reaffirmed the 1925 court-martial verdict against air power advocate Brigadier General Billy Mitchell. He said the court was correct to have been found Mitchell guilty of publicly attacking his superiors, but noted that time had proved Mitchell was right about the unique value of air power.^[1]

Douglas served as Secretary of the Air Force until the end of 1959. In January 1960, he became Deputy Secretary of Defense, filling the position left vacant since the sudden death of Donald A. Quarles in May 1959. He served as Deputy Secretary of Defense until the close of the Eisenhower Administration in January 1961.^[1]

On January 18, 1961, President Eisenhower presented Douglas with the Medal of Freedom for his distinguished service to the United States. The citation recognized Douglas for his "many contributions to the nation's security". It also cited his "sound judgment, wise leadership and great devotion to his country", and his "firm and unyielding dedication to principles of good government".

If this is confirmed this would be a nice story for the American Heritage part of the Vacheron Constantin Hour Lounge.

Best regards,

Berny

Thanks Berny, That was what the Jeweler shop said. It has cold was provenance.  The was initially advertised on ebay but I bought direct from the shop. Should I post on the VC hour lounge as well? I did not know there is an American Heritage part.

the reference number inside the case back of their watches at the time your watch was made (late 50's). It can be frustrating.

Bill

Did they only indicate the ref# on warrantee paper and catalog maybe?