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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Wristwatch converted from pocket watch

Vacheron & Constantin conversion wristwatch

Partially verified

This yellow gold wristwatch is a converted timepiece, originally housing a Vacheron & Constantin movement manufactured as a pocket watch during the late 19th or early 20th century. The watch features a round yellow gold case measuring approximately 29 mm in diameter, which was later adapted to fit a wristwatch format. The gilt-toned dial presents a textured central field with black Arabic numerals and a peripheral minute track, signed "Vacheron & Constantin Genève". The hands are of the Dauphine style. Internally, the watch utilizes a manual-winding Vacheron Constantin pocket watch caliber, identified by movement number 344252, featuring a gilt finish and traditional architecture including a regulator index. The assembly is completed with a later-added brown leather strap and a gilt pin buckle. The case is marked with the number 210801.

Front view of the yellow gold converted wristwatch with brown leather strap.
Front view of the yellow gold converted wristwatch with brown leather strap. — Auction house “Adam's”, via Invaluable. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
orbiscollectibles.com
Category
Wristwatch · Wristwatch converted from pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Vacheron & Constantin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
late 19th – early 20th century
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
210801

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 timepiece features a dial finished in a gilt tone, distinguished by a contrasting textured central field. The time is indicated by black Arabic numerals arranged in a standard circular layout, complemented by an outer minute track for precision.

The dial bears the signature "Vacheron & Constantin Genève" positioned in the upper half. The hour and minute display is facilitated by a pair of Dauphine-style hands, which are set against the gilt background.

Evidence for this section
  • “The dial is finished in a gilt tone with a textured central field”
  • “The dial is signed Vacheron & Constantin Genève”
  • “complemented by Dauphine hands.”

Movement and Caliber

The watch is powered by a manual-winding movement originally intended for a pocket watch. The mechanism is identified as a Vacheron Constantin caliber bearing the movement number 344252.

The movement architecture reflects traditional design elements, including a gilt finish and an integrated regulator index for timekeeping adjustments.

Evidence for this section
  • “The movement is a manual-winding Vacheron Constantin pocket watch caliber, numbered 344252”
  • “featuring a gilt finish and traditional architecture with a regulator index.”

Case and Conversion History

The watch is housed in a yellow gold case that measures approximately 29 mm in diameter. The case is marked with the number 210801 and is equipped with a later-fitted brown leather strap that fastens with a gilt pin buckle.

This timepiece represents a conversion from a pocket watch format to a wristwatch. This adaptation of larger pocket watch mechanisms into wrist-worn cases occurred during the early 20th century to accommodate the shifting preference for wristwatch design.

Evidence for this section
  • “resulting in a yellow gold case measuring approximately 29 mm in diameter.”
  • “The case is numbered 210801.”
  • “This conversion reflects a historical practice of adapting larger pocket watch mechanisms into wrist-worn timepieces”

Open research questions

  • Can the movement number 344252 be used to determine a more precise original manufacturing date?
  • At what point in the early 20th century were the wire lugs likely soldered to the pocket watch case?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vacheron & Constantin conversion wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerVacheron & Constantin“Vacheron & Constantin Genève”
Movement Number344252“Movement number 344252”
Case Number210801“The case is numbered 210801.”
Case Diameter29 mm“measuring approximately 29 mm in diameter.”
StrapBrown leather with gilt pin buckle“fitted with a later brown leather strap secured by a gilt pin buckle.”
Dial FeaturesTextured gilt with Arabic numerals“dial is finished in a gilt tone with a textured central field, featuring black Arabic numerals”

Visible details

  • The dial exhibits a two-tone appearance with a central textured area.
  • The crown is positioned at the three o'clock position relative to the dial signature.

Research qualifications

  • The exact date of conversion from pocket watch to wristwatch is not documented.
  • The source describes the manufacturing date of the movement as a range rather than a specific year.

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

Consulted source

Vacheron Constantin yellow gold wristwatch, converted from a pocket watch

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record 4983b1358e

Terms in this record

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