Today's offering showcases this early World War II era mens Vacheron & Constantin military style watch.

While modern Vacheron & Constantin watches can be purchased at jewelry boutiques around the world, examples of their vintage pieces are not as common. Their scarcity results from Vacheron & Constantin's attention to detail and strict quality standards, which limited their production capacity in the 1940's to only twenty to thirty timepieces per day.

The company encased the majority of these watches in precious metal cases. Because of their rarity, steel examples of the company's vintage watches have become increasingly sought after by collectors.

Housed in a water-resistant style case and equipped with a high grade movement with sweep seconds, and featuring prominent luminous-filled dial markers and hands, this Vacheron & Constantin watch possessed the necessary capabilities for demanding uses. Its technical dial with 1/5 second markings served the needs of men in military, technical, sporting, or racing fields.

NOTE: The case back on the watch has been previously replaced by a very-suited period replacement from Helbros. Its threads match perfectly and it is not signed outwardly which is nice, as only the more discerning collectors would even realize it isn't original.

Otherwise the watch is all-original and untouched. It does not appear to have ever been polished. Its untouched original dial has warmed to a sepia with patina. Its high-grade Vacheron & Constantin movement is very clean and keeping time.

One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it.

For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate attesting to the watch's performance.

• Manufacturer: Vacheron & Constantin
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Serial no.: 450,811
• Year built: c. 1940
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Case condition: Excellent unpolished condition - Note that the case back on the watch has been previously replaced by a very-suited period replacement from Helbros. Its threads match perfectly and it is not signed outwardly which is nice, as only the more discerning collectors would even realize it isn't original.
• Dial: Silver, signed Vacheron & Constantin, 1/5 second outer markings, luminous Arabic markers and luminous hands, refinished in vintage times, excellent condition
• Hands: Original, skeletonized blue steel filled with luminous
• Movement type: Vacheron & Constantin caliber 466, rhodium-plated, “fausses cotes” decoration, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, beryllium balance with timing screws, adjusted to temperatures, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring, index regulator
• Movement markings: Vacheron & Constantin with Maltese Cross, Geneve, Swiss, 17 Jewels, 466, Adjusted to Temp
• Jewels: 17 rubies
• Beat frequency: 18,000 BPH
• Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
• Band condition: Brand new and unused
• Width between lugs: 18mm
• Crystal: Acrylic, excellent condition
• Serviced: One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an experienced team of watchmakers both of whom each have over forty years of experience and a large number of parts.
• Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide