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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Chronometer

Vacheron & Constantin Chronomètre Royal 24-Hour Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Vacheron & Constantin pocket watch, identified as a "Chronomètre Royal" model, dates to circa 1900. Housed in a large-size, 18K yellow gold four-body bassine case, the watch features a polished and sunray engine-turned back with a hinged gold cuvette. The movement is a keyless Caliber 22''' 2 PRC with 18 jewels, characterized by frosted gilt finish, wolf's tooth winding, a straight-line lever escapement, a cut bimetallic compensation balance, and a blued steel Breguet balance spring with a swan-neck micrometer regulator. The white enamel dial is distinctive for its inclusion of bold radial Roman numerals paired with an inner circle of red 24-hour numerals and a large subsidiary seconds dial. Measuring 57 mm in diameter, the piece includes gold spade hands and remains signed on the dial, case, cuvette, and movement.

Front view of the 18K yellow gold Chronomètre Royal pocket watch showing the 24-hour enamel dial.
Front view of the 18K yellow gold Chronomètre Royal pocket watch showing the 24-hour enamel dial. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Chronometer
Maker / attribution
Vacheron & Constantin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
750
Source-reported date
circa 1900
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
214531

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 Design

The watch is presented in an 18K yellow gold four-body case of the bassine style. The exterior features a polished finish combined with a sunray engine-turned pattern on the back, providing a decorative contrast.

The dial is constructed from white enamel and follows a clear, legible layout. It features large, bold radial Roman numerals for standard timekeeping, while a secondary, inner track provides red 24-hour Arabic numerals. A large subsidiary seconds dial is located at the six o'clock position, and the time is indicated by gold spade hands. The auction description notes the presence of a hairline on the dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four-body, bassine, polished, sunray engine-turned case back.”
  • “Hinged gold cuvette.”
  • “White enamel with bold radial Roman numerals, inner red 24-hour numerals”
  • “This Chronomètre Royal is particularly unusual in having a dial with additional 24-hour numerals in red.”

Movement and Escapement

The internal mechanism is the Vacheron & Constantin Caliber 22''' 2 PRC. This keyless movement is finished in frosted gilt and utilizes 18 jewels. The winding system incorporates the wolf's tooth gear design, which is a hallmark of high-quality watchmaking from this era.

The regulation and escapement assembly consists of a straight-line lever escapement paired with a cut bimetallic compensation balance. This is further regulated by a blued steel Breguet balance spring and a swan-neck micrometer regulator, which allowed for precise adjustments to the rate of the watch.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 22``` 2 PRC, frosted gilt, 18 jewels, wolf`s tooth winding, straight-line lever escapement”
  • “cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring, swan-neck micrometer regulator.”

Signatures and Condition

All primary components, including the dial, case, cuvette, and movement, are signed by the maker. The identification numbers are recorded as movement number 350022 and case number 214531.

Regarding the current state of the piece, the auction house provides a professional grading. The case is described as being in good condition, and the movement, while considered very good, is noted as requiring an overhaul. The dial is classified as good, though the report acknowledges the presence of a hairline and various types of decoration issues.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial, case, cuvette and movement signed.”
  • “Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, "Chronomètre Royal", No. 350022, case No. 214531.”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “Dial: 3-70-01 Good ENAMEL AND VARIOUS TYPES OF DECORATION Hairline”

Open research questions

  • To what extent does the presence of the 24-hour dial relate to the specific agents or markets for which these pieces were commissioned?
  • Are there archival records linking this specific serial number to the batch of 3022 watches produced for the A. Campos lottery system?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vacheron & Constantin Chronomètre Royal 24-Hour Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerVacheron & Constantin“Vacheron & Constantin, Genève”
Case Material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold pocket lever Chronometer”
Movement Caliber22''' 2 PRC“Cal. 22``` 2 PRC”
Diameter57 mm“DIAM. 57 mm.”
Case TypeFour-body, bassine“Four-body, bassine, polished, sunray engine-turned case back.”
Dial Features24-hour numerals“This Chronomètre Royal is particularly unusual in having a dial with additional 24-hour numerals in red.”
Movement FinishFrosted gilt“frosted gilt, 18 jewels, wolf`s tooth winding”

Visible details

  • Sunray engine-turned pattern on the case back
  • Inner ring of red Arabic numerals 13-24 on the dial
  • Subsidiary seconds dial positioned at six o'clock
  • Gold spade-style hands

Research qualifications

  • Movement currently requires an overhaul as noted in the auction description
  • Specific production provenance related to the Brazilian lottery market is not explicitly confirmed for this serial number

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

Consulted source

VACHERON & CONSTANTIN CHRONOMETRE ROYAL YELLOW GOLD - 24-HOUR DIAL Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, "Chronomètre Royal", No. 350022, case No. 214531. Made circa 1900. Very fine and rare, large-size, keyless, 18K yellow gold pocket lever Chronometer with 24-hour dial.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 34221cce30

Terms in this record

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

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