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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Keyless pocket chronometer

Vacheron & Constantin 18ct Gold Keyless Pocket Chronometer

Partially verified

This Vacheron & Constantin keyless pocket chronometer, completed in 1908, is housed in a four-body, 18ct gold "demi-bassine" case measuring 54 mm in diameter. The watch features a white enamel three-piece dial with Empire numerals and a sunk subsidiary seconds register, complemented by gold spade-style hands. Internally, it is equipped with a 20-ligne gilt brass movement containing 21 jewels and a straight-line lever escapement. Technical components include a balance adjusted by P. Wehrli, a blued steel balance spring with a terminal curve, and a swan-neck micrometric index. The case back bears the monogram "A.G.", and the gold cuvette features a commemorative dedication dated 1888-1913. The watch was sold on November 21, 1913, to Paccard & Cie for presentation to M. Alexis Grenier. It was previously awarded a Mention Honorable at the 1909 Geneva Astronomical Observatory timing contest, achieving a score of 664 marks.

Front view of the Vacheron & Constantin 18ct gold pocket chronometer with enamel dial.
Front view of the Vacheron & Constantin 18ct gold pocket chronometer with enamel dial. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Keyless pocket chronometer
Maker / attribution
Vacheron & Constantin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
128-46
Source-reported date
1908
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
344675

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The external case back is engraved with the monogram "A.G.", indicating its original personalization. The protective gold cuvette features an engraved dedication referencing the years 1888-1913, serving as a permanent record of the timepiece's commemorative history.

The dial is composed of a three-piece white enamel construction, featuring clear Empire-style hour numerals. A sunk subsidiary seconds dial is integrated into the primary face. The dial carries the signature of the manufacturer, Vacheron & Constantin, Genève.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four body, massive, "demi-bassine", polished, the back engraved with the monogram "A.G.".”
  • “Gold cuvette engraved with a dedication dated: 1888-1913.”
  • “Three piece white enamel with Empire numerals and sunk subsidiary seconds.”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The internal mechanism is a 20-ligne gilt brass movement fitted with 21 jewels. The watch employs a straight-line lever escapement and includes a balance specifically adjusted by P. Wehrli. The oscillator consists of a blued steel balance spring featuring a terminal curve, further regulated by a swan-neck micrometric index.

The watch performance was formally evaluated in 1909 during the Geneva Astronomical Observatory timing contest. The technical data provided in the original documentation confirms a mean average daily rate of +/-0,31 and a mean error in six positions of +/-0,39.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. 20"', gilt brass, 21 jewels, straight line lever escapement, Crausaz, brass and steel-nickel, balance adjusted by P. Wehrli, blued steel balance spring with terminal curve and swan neck micrometric index.”
  • “Mean average daily rate +/-0,31”
  • “Mean error in 6 positions +/-0,39”

Provenance and Documentation

This chronometer was completed in 1908 and remained with the manufacturer until its sale on November 21, 1913. It was purchased by Paccard & Cie and subsequently presented to M. Alexis Grenier, an event commemorated by the inscription on the cuvette. The watch is accompanied by its original fitted box and the original certificate issued by the manufacturer.

The auction description reports that the lot includes photocopies of the 1909 timing contest records.

Evidence for this section
  • “sold on 21 November 1913, to Paccard & Cie and presented to M. Alexis Grenier.”
  • “in original fitted box with original certificate.”
  • “with photocopies from the records of the timing contest.”

Open research questions

  • What was the specific nature of the relationship between Paccard & Cie and Alexis Grenier?
  • Can the specific meaning of the 1888-1913 date range on the cuvette be identified in archival records?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vacheron & Constantin 18ct Gold Keyless Pocket Chronometer
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerVacheron & Constantin“Vacheron & Constantin, Genève”
Movement Number344675“No. 344675”
Case Number215562“case No. 215562”
Completion Date1908“completed in 1908”
Movement Size20 ligne“M. 20"'”
AwardsMention honorable at the 1909 Geneva Astronomical Observatory timing contest“awarded a Mention honorable with 664 marks at the Geneva Astronomical Observatory timing contest in 1909”
Diameter54 mm“Diam. 54 mm”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Empire numerals
  • Gold spade hands
  • Monogram 'A.G.' engraved on the case back
  • Gold cuvette with dated dedication

Research qualifications

  • Dedication is dated 1888-1913 while the watch was completed in 1908
  • Specific mechanical performance attributes depend on the provided timing contest documentation

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, No. 344675, case No. 215562, completed in 1908, sold on 21 November 1913, to Paccard & Cie and presented to M. Alexis Grenier. Very fine 18 ct. gold keyless pocket chronometer, awarded a Mention honorable with 664 marks at the Geneva Astronomical Observatory timing contest in 1909, in original fitted box with original certificate.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 9c0d15a09b

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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