Today's listing showcases this very rare and fine Art Deco Vacheron & Constantin watch. Likely built in 1948, it combines exceptional quality with unusual and striking Art Deco styling. It has a very rare two-tone yellow and rose gold original V & C case with hooded barrel lugs.

A second example of this watch with a different dial design sold at Antiquorum in April of 2005 for 18,400 Swiss Francs (approx. $15,350 USD). It was accompanied by this note in the catalog: "This watch was most likely made upon special request by a client or an agent. Its design and dial are characteristic of the Art Deco style. In its execution, one can see a strong influence of the pre-war period, as well as hints of the styles to come during the 1950s and the most popular watch of that period: the rectangular “fantaisie” watch."

A photo of that watch is shown among our photos. Here is a link to the catalog entry: http://www.antiquorum.com/catalog/lots/vacheron-constantin-lot-79-106?grading_facet=AAA&page=4.

It was listed in a special section dedicated to Vacheron & Constantin "Watches with Multicolor Cases" and the catalog contained this preface: "The Art Deco period, with its love for geometrical design and sharp contrasts, saw the creation of many striking pieces with cases employing contrasting metals. These include dress watches and sports watches, as well as exotic and luxurious pieces which were created by the finest Parisian jewelers and in particular by Verger Frères, whose collaboration with Vacheron Constantin was so important for the Genevan company."

Our watch has a serial number of 420,129 and that watch was number 420,143. The case numbers are very close, 262,412 and 262,415 respectively.

The dial has been previously restored. The original two-tone case presents very nicely. And the movement is running true.

Our watchmaker has freshly cleaned and oiled the watch. Included with the purchase is a one-year warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

• Manufacturer: Vacheron & Constantin
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Serial no.: 420,129
• Year built: Likely 1948
• Functions: Hours, Minutes
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 18K yellow and rose gold (the rose gold has lightened a bit over time as is usual)
• Case markings (inside): Vacheron & Constantin, Suisse, 18K, Minerva hallmark, Swisse, 262,412
• Case condition: Excellent condition with signs of polishing and wear
• Dimensions: 22mm diameter (excluding crown) by 40mm long lug-tip-to-tip
• Dial: Silver, black painted Arabic indices, signed Vacheron & Constantin, outer minute track, restored
• Hands: Original, "epees"
• Movement type: Extremely high grade, Vacheron & Constantin, rhodium plated, manually wound, beryllium balance with timing screws, adjusted to temperature and three positions, cut bimetallic compensation balance, index regulator
• Movement markings: Vacheron & Constantin Geneve, 17 Jewels, Swiss, 420129, ADJ TEMP (3) THREE POSITIONS
• Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
• Width between lugs: 17mm
• Crystal type: Mineral glass , excellent condition
• Servicing: Yes, freshly cleaned and oiled. 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 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