This timepiece is anything but ordinary: this is one of the signature looks that Vacheron Constatin created in the 1950s, using the Maltese Cross as the outline of the case form. This example is in excellent condition with a great case and original dial. The design features a heavy case with sculpted shaped lugs and art deco style markers. One can tell instantly that this watch is extraordinary from the surprising heft of the piece when you pick it up.
The movement features Caliber 12” ½ - 453. The movement is a highly finished adaptation of the Jaeger-LeCoultre 450, recognized as one of the most beautiful manual movements ever made for a wristwatch. The JLC movements of the period were known for accuracy, for example the P486 created the basis for Vacheron’s super scarce Chronometer Ryale. However, the guts of the JLC movements look like plain machines; so the Vacheron factory took the base movement to a higher level by beautifully finishing it and decorating the bridges and plates with the Geneva stripes.
This rare watch is in excellent condition, with crisp engraving on the back and a beautifully aged dial and gold case. The dial features luminescent hands, and if you look carefully, you can see the haze of the radium burn around the center of the dial. It’s a pretty look and proof that the dial was not refinished.
This watch comes with an Extract from the Archives of Vacheron Constantin
