In contrast to modern Vacheron & Constantin watches that can be purchased at various jewelry boutiques around the world, exceptional examples of their vintage pieces are extremely difficult to find and command top-dollar prices. Their scarcity results from Vacheron & Constantin's incredible attention to detail and strict quality standards, which limited their production capacity in the 1940's to only twenty to thirty timepieces per day.

This gorgeous Vacheron & Constantin showcased in today's offering is a wonderful, fine example of one of these pieces.

Featuring an elegant case with striking, so-called "Bear Claw Lugs," it showcases a distinctive and maculinely handsome style, Art Deco style.

Its very high-grade Vacheron & Constantin movement is outfitted with an early, indirect sweep seconds mechanism, originally designed for physician's to time their patient's pulse and for professional use in other technical and sporting fields. And designed to run accurately across a number of positions and range of temperatures, it possesses all the necessary capabilities to earn it its place among the very fine timepieces from the period.

Its parts are all original and it presents in beautiful condition. Its original 18K Vacheron & Constantin case presents as better than near mint with signs of being previously polished. Its dial is bright and attractive, and may have been partially reprinted. Its exceptional movement is very clean.

One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. Amazingly, after more than 60 years, it still is keeping extremely accurate time, running within a few seconds per day.

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 C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

Vacheron & Constantin
Since the early 1800's, the elite Swiss firm Vacheron & Constantin has had as it's motto "Do better if possible... and that's always possible." The result of their carrying out this commitment has led to the development some of the most exceptional timepieces in the world.

As the world's oldest continuois watchmaker, Vacheron & Constantin is very familiar with making world-class timepieces, and they are often considered to make up one of the "Big Three" along with Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe.. Prized by kings and queens, heads of state, and prominent public figures, their timepieces rank among the most exclusive and expensive in the world.

• Manufacturer: Vacheron & Constantin
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Serial no.: 462,304
• Year built: c. 1942
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds (Indirect)
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 18K gold
• Case markings (outside): Liberty Head - Helvetia hallmark on right side of case and under lug, factory stamped '77' under lug
• Case markings (inside): Vacheron & Constantin, Swiss, 18K, Liberty Head - Helvetia hallmark, 308522
• Case condition: Near mint with signs of being previously polished
• Dial: Silver, gold applique Arabic indexes, outer seconds/minutes track with 1/5 second graduations, signed Vacheron & Constantin, bright and clean, the signature looks like it may have been partially or fully reprinted
• Hands: Original, gold batons with blue steel center seconds, excellent condition
• Movement type: Extremely high quality, rhodium plated, fausses cotes decoration, temperature-resistant timekeeping, indirect sweep seconds mechanism, monometallic balance, self-compensating flat balance spring
• Movement markings: Vacheron & Constantin with Maltese Cross, Geneve, 17 Jewels, V466, Adjusted to Temp
• Jewels: 17 rubies
• Beat frequency: 18,000 BPH
• Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
• Crystal: Acrylic, domed, excellent condition
• Serviced: One of our watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system.
• Warranty: 1-year C.O.T. international warranty
• 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