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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Keyless lever open face pocket watch

Vacheron Constantin Chronometre Royal Pocket Watch C1920s

Partially verified

This keyless lever open face pocket watch, produced circa 1920s, was manufactured by Vacheron Constantin. It features an 18ct yellow gold case measuring 56 mm in diameter, which includes an engine-turned back with a round vacant cartouche and a signed inner cuvette. The dial is white enamel and signed "Chronometre Royal Vacheron & Constantin Genève," with Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial. The watch is powered by a gilt, fully jeweled manual wind movement equipped with a compensation balance, micrometer regulation, and wolf's tooth winding. The case is marked with the Vacheron Constantin stamp and cross, along with Swiss hallmarks. The hands are blued steel spade style, with a matching seconds hand. The auction description reports the watch is in excellent, pristine condition.

Front view of the Vacheron Constantin Chronometre Royal pocket watch showing the white enamel dial, Arabic numerals, and subsidiary seconds dial.
Front view of the Vacheron Constantin Chronometre Royal pocket watch showing the white enamel dial, Arabic numerals, and subsidiary seconds dial. — Watch Museum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
watchmuseum.org
Category
Pocket watch · Keyless lever open face pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Vacheron Constantin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
C1920s
Source-reported place
Switzerland

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

Dial and Hands

The watch features a white enamel dial, clearly signed with the company name and the Chronometre Royal designation. The dial layout includes Arabic numerals for the hours and an outer minute track. Positioned at the six o'clock location is a subsidiary seconds dial.

The time is indicated by original blued steel spade hands, with a matching steel hand for the subsidiary seconds register. The dial is designed for legibility within the 56 mm case.

Evidence for this section
  • “fully signed by‌ Chronometre Royal Vacheron & Constantin ⁣Genève, adorned‍ with Arabic numerals, an outer minute track, and a subsidiary seconds dial”
  • “The original blued steel spade hands and matching ​seconds hand add​ a‌ touch of classic sophistication.”

Case and Hallmarks

The timepiece is housed in a round 18ct yellow gold case. The reverse of the case features an engine-turned pattern and a central round cartouche, which remains vacant.

An inner cuvette is present and signed by the manufacturer. The exterior and internal components of the case are verified with Swiss hallmarks, as well as the Vacheron Constantin stamp and cross.

Evidence for this section
  • “Encased in heavy, sturdy 18ct yellow ⁤gold, the watch features an engine-turned design on the case back with ​a round vacant cartouche, and a fully signed inner cuvette.”
  • “cases are Swiss hallmarked, numbered, and bear the prestigious Vacheron Constantin stamp and cross.”

Movement

The watch is driven by a gilt manual-wind movement, which is fully jeweled and signed by the maker. The mechanical design incorporates a compensation balance to aid in timekeeping accuracy, as well as micrometer regulation.

Additional technical features of the movement include wolf's tooth winding. The movement is numbered, consistent with the construction of this model intended for the Chronometre Royal line.

Evidence for this section
  • “The gilt fully jeweled movement, ⁤signed and numbered,​ includes a compensation balance, micrometer regulation,⁣ and wolf's tooth winding”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement serial number to verify production year within the 1920s?
  • Are there additional hidden hallmarks on the cuvette that provide a specific import or assay date?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vacheron Constantin Chronometre Royal Pocket Watch C1920s
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerVacheron Constantin“Creator: Vacheron Constantin”
Material18ct Yellow Gold“18ct yellow gold”
Diameter56 mm“Diameter: 56 mm (2.21 in)”
Movement TypeManual wind, gilt, fully jeweled“The gilt fully jeweled movement”
Dial SignatureChronometre Royal Vacheron & Constantin Genève“fully signed by‌ Chronometre Royal Vacheron & Constantin ⁣Genève”
OriginSwitzerland“Place of Origin: Switzerland”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with Arabic numerals and subsidiary seconds dial
  • Engine-turned case back with vacant round cartouche
  • Blued steel spade hands
  • Gilt manual wind movement with wolf's tooth winding

Research qualifications

  • The exact serial number is not provided in the source text
  • The specific Swiss hallmark details are described as present but not individually identified

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

Consulted source

Vacheron Constantin Chronometer Royal 18CT Gold Pocket Watch - C1920

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record e5441e5b1b

Terms in this record

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