Superb Vacheron & Constantin "Violin" in rose gold, French case, engraved-enamelled dial, circa 1949

We are pleased to present this superb Vacheron & Constantin, produced around 1949. The "teardrop" lugs – whose curves also evoke violin f-holes – are one of the most iconic designs of the Geneva-based Maison, featured on its finest dress watches between the late 1930s and the mid-1950s. This example is distinguished by its 18-carat rose gold case of French manufacture – a significantly rarer execution than the usual Geneva cases, and one whose quality is often recognized as superior by experienced collectors.
The superb silver (Stern) dial features engraved and enameled inscriptions, applied rose gold Arabic numerals and baton hour markers, and a small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. The 17-jewel caliber 458/3B, with Breguet overcoil and swan-neck regulator, has been fully serviced by one of our experienced watchmakers and operates to the strictest tolerances.
A superb Vacheron & Constantin three-hand watch, preserved in remarkable condition. To our knowledge, this is the first time such a model has appeared on the market. A unique opportunity.

In the late 1930s, Vacheron Constantin introduced a lug design that would become one of the Geneva-based Maison's most iconic: the so-called "teardrop" lugs. Sculpted in three dimensions, their curves also evoke the f-holes of a violin. This design was featured on the manufacture's finest dress watches between the late 1930s and the mid-1950s, in versions ranging from simple three-hand watches to the rarest complications (complete calendar, minute repeater). Today, it remains one of the most sought-after hallmarks of Vacheron Constantin's golden age.

The example we are offering, dating from around 1949, has a notable feature: its 18-karat rose gold case is of French manufacture, as evidenced by the official hallmark (eagle's head, guaranteeing 18-karat gold) and the maker's mark with a Maltese cross within a lozenge. While the vast majority of Vacheron Constantin watches with teardrop lugs from this period were fitted with Geneva-made cases signed by manufacturers such as Wenger or Spillmann, this French execution is considerably rarer and lends this piece a unique character.

The superb silver dial, crafted by Stern – a renowned Geneva dial maker whose founding family also owns Patek Philippe – features engraved and enameled (oven-fired) inscriptions, a guarantee of superior quality and longevity compared to simply printed markings. The layout is harmonious and characteristic of the period: applied rose gold Arabic numerals at the quarters (3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock), applied rose gold baton hour markers at the intermediate positions, a minute track, and a small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. The rose gold leaf-shaped hands complete this aesthetically coherent ensemble.

The Vacheron Constantin calibre 458/3B is a 17-jewel, hand-wound mechanical movement belonging to the 45x calibre family, developed based on Jaeger-LeCoultre ébauches. It features a self-compensating Breguet balance spring, a monometallic balance wheel regulated by temperature and in five positions, and a swan-neck regulator for fine-tuning the rate. This movement has undergone a complete overhaul by one of our experienced watchmakers and operates within the strictest tolerances.

A superb three-hand watch by Vacheron & Constantin, preserved in remarkable condition and incredibly charming. To our knowledge, this is the first time such a model has appeared on the market. A unique opportunity.

This Vacheron & Constantin is preserved in superb overall condition.
The unique case is remarkable. All inscriptions, engravings and hallmarks are clear. The characteristic lugs, known as "water drop"/"teardrop"/"violin" lugs, are perfectly preserved.
The Stern dial, entirely original, features engraved-enamelled inscriptions, and is in excellent condition.
The mechanical hand-wound movement, calibre Vacheron Constantin 458/3B, has been fully serviced by one of our experienced watchmakers and is working well.

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