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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Square button chronograph

Vacheron & Constantin Chronograph Wristwatch

Partially verified

This Vacheron & Constantin gentleman's wristwatch, dating to approximately 1941, is housed in a three-body 18K pink gold case featuring a stepped bezel and teardrop lugs. The timepiece is powered by a 13-ligne movement with rhodium plating and fausses côtes decoration, incorporating 19 jewels, a lever escapement, a monometallic balance, and a self-compensating Breguet balance-spring. The champagne-colored dial displays applied pink gold Arabic numerals and indexes, complemented by Bâton-style pink gold hands. Functionality includes a square button chronograph mechanism with auxiliary seconds and a 30-minute register, alongside an outer tachometer graduation. The watch is completed by a leather strap and an 18K pink gold buckle. The dial, case, and movement are signed by the manufacturer. With a diameter of 36 mm, the watch is catalogued with a performance grading as reported by the auction source.

Front view of the Vacheron & Constantin 18K pink gold chronograph wristwatch.
Front view of the Vacheron & Constantin 18K pink gold chronograph wristwatch. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Square button chronograph
Maker / attribution
Vacheron & Constantin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
207
Source-reported date
circa 1941
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
431397

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 Construction

The watch features an 18K pink gold case designed with three body sections. Its exterior aesthetics include a polished finish, a stepped bezel, and teardrop lugs that attach the strap to the main housing. The chronograph buttons are of a square design, protruding from the case band.

The dial is finished in champagne and serves as the primary interface for timekeeping and chronograph functions. It utilizes applied pink gold Arabic numerals and markers for hour indication, matched with Bâton-style pink gold hands. An outer tachometer graduation scale is positioned on the periphery of the dial. Two auxiliary subsidiary dials track chronograph seconds and a 30-minute register.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, solid, polished, stepped bezel, teardrop lugs.”
  • “champagne with applied pink gold indexes and Arabic numerals, auxiliary seconds and 30 minutes register dials, outer tachometer graduation.”

Movement and Escapement

The internal mechanism is a 13-ligne movement, which the source describes as being rhodium-plated and featuring fausses côtes decoration. The movement operates on 19 jewels and utilizes a standard lever escapement for timekeeping regulation.

The balance assembly consists of a monometallic balance and a self-compensating Breguet balance-spring. The movement is fully signed by Vacheron & Constantin, as are the case and dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “13??? rhodium plated, ?fausses côtes? decoration, 19 jewels, lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring.”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”

Condition and Attribution

The auction description provides a grading system for the timepiece, indicating a general grade of AAA Excellent. Specific component conditions are noted, with the case graded as 3 Good, the movement as 3, and the dial as 4-01. These grades are based on the auction house's internal inspection.

The watch is attributed to circa 1941 based on the provided serial numbers for the case and movement. The source documents that the watch includes a leather strap and an 18K pink gold buckle, completing the presentation of the lot. No further servicing history or provenance is available for this object.

Evidence for this section
  • “circa 1941.”
  • “Grading System Grade: AAA Excellent Case: 3 Good Movement: * 3 Dial: 4 - 01”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific manufacturer or origin of the 18K pink gold buckle mentioned in the description?
  • What are the precise definitions of the grading codes 3 and 4-01 used by the auction house for this specific lot?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vacheron & Constantin Chronograph Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerVacheron & Constantin“Vacheron & Constantin, Genève”
Movement serial431397“No. 431397”
Case serial271251“case No. 271251”
Case material18K pink gold“18K pink gold gentleman's wristwatch”
Diameter36 mm“Diam. 36 mm.”
Movement description13-ligne rhodium plated“13??? rhodium plated”
Dial detailsChampagne color with applied indices“champagne with applied pink gold indexes and Arabic numerals”

Visible details

  • Teardrop-style lugs are visible at the four attachment points.
  • Square chronograph pushers are located on the side of the 18K pink gold case.
  • The dial features a concentric tachometer scale at the periphery.
  • Auxiliary registers for chronograph minutes and constant seconds are present at 3 and 9 o'clock.

Research qualifications

  • The exact extent of dial wear or restoration is not detailed beyond the grade code 4-01.
  • The provenance or history of ownership is not disclosed in the provided source.

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

Consulted source

Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, No. 431397,case No. 271251, circa 1941.Very fine and rare, 18K pink gold gentleman's wristwatch with square button chronograph, register and tachometer, leather strap and 18K pink gold buckle.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record fbeaf91b2f

Terms in this record

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

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