Vacheron & Constantin

Anytime one of the big three - Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet or Vacheron & Constantin make a watch in Steel you pay attention. But not all vintage steel trinities are created equal. As if being steel wasn't enough this example features a two tone silver dial that some classify as a sector dial. That is a discussion for another day.      About that two tone dial. The railroad minute track, subsidiary seconds, hour indicator and signature all done enamel. To top it all off ? How about they did the hour markers and hands in pink gold. The rarity of a steel Vacheron with pink gold hour numerals can not be overstated.     To say we are pleased to offer this watch in our vintage watch shop is an understatement. ABOUT THIS WATCH:  MANUFACTURER: Vacheron & Constantin REFERENCE:  YEAR: ~1953 SERIAL: 277xxx CASE: The 34mm stainless steel case is in great shape. The case has managed to remain unpolished all these years. The case presents with even wear throughout commensurate with its age. The midcase faintly illustrates the maisons original satin finish as does the side of the lugs. The case is 2x signed and matching.  DIAL:  A very rare two tone silver enamel dial with pink gold furniture. The signature, closed minute railroad track, hour indicator and subsidiary seconds is all done in hard enamel. The dial appears to have some imperfections most notably near the Maltese Cross logo. The dial features pink gold hour numerals and hands. The rarity of a steel Vacheron with pink gold hour numerals can not be overstated. The seconds hand was unfortunately replaced with a pink gold one in the past. The difference is subtle on the wrist however can be discerned under close inspection. Should the buyer desire, a pink gold second hand can be sourced to match the rest of the handset and eliminate this issue at cost.  MOVEMENT: Vacheron manually wound caliber 453. Vacheron's finishing prowess that they had come to be known for by the mid twentieth century is on full display as we see a myriad of finishing techniques including cotes de Genève, pearlage, anglage and black polishing. The service history is unknown. The watch was placed on a timegrapher which illustrated that the watch is keeping time within 98 seconds per day and has an amplitude of 244. The wtach can be serviced for approximately $325 plus parts. If serviced the watch will be warrantied for one year. The buyer is only responsible for shipping.  BRACELET:  We have paired this beautiful watch with our "Ioustiniani" strap - an entirely handmade goat skin strap. The strap was handcrafted by a single artisan in the heart of Italy. Italy has been come to known for their premium leather goods. Rest assured this strap is of the highest quality.  ACCESSORIES: None.  BOX/PAPERS: No.  WARRANTY: None unless serviced prior. If serviced the watch will come with a one year warranty. The buyer is only responsible for shipping.  BANK WIRE/ZELLE PRICE: $5,499 shipped.