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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Manual-winding wristwatch

Vacheron Constantin Manual Winding Wristwatch

Partially verified

This wristwatch is an 18K gold and platinum timepiece featuring a pietra dura dial constructed from lapis lazuli, bloodstone, and white chalcedony. The watch is powered by a caliber 10R cylinder movement, numbered 179008, which was produced by Vacheron & Constantin and delivered to the Parisian jeweler Ferdinand Verger in 1894. The case, numbered 178226, is decorated with diamonds set into the bezel and both diamonds and rubies set into the side of the case. The watch is fitted to a moiré silk strap secured by an 18K gold clasp. Its aesthetic design is noted by the source as being inspired by a nineteenth-century Breguet watch described as a 'boite à incrustations'. The watch is accompanied by a pouch and a letter from Vacheron Constantin regarding its history and the delivery of the movement.

Vacheron Constantin manual winding wristwatch with pietra dura dial, displayed with accompanying Vacheron Constantin documentation.
Vacheron Constantin manual winding wristwatch with pietra dura dial, displayed with accompanying Vacheron Constantin documentation. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Manual-winding wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Vacheron Constantin
Reference
N950.001AAKKK.NYRRO
Catalogue / lot identifier
272
Source-reported date
circa 1894
Source-reported place
Not established
Source-reported serial
178226

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 timepiece features a complex decorative exterior constructed from 18K gold and platinum. The bezel is paved with diamonds, while the side of the case band displays a decorative row of rubies. The winding crown is also set with diamonds.

The dial is an example of pietra dura, an inlay technique incorporating lapis lazuli, bloodstone, and white chalcedony. The hour markers consist of inset white discs.

Evidence for this section
  • “diamond-set bezel and diamond-set and ruby-set case”
  • “pietra dura “incrustation lapis lazuli, bloodstone, white chalcedony dial””

Movement and Collaboration

The watch utilizes a caliber 10R cylinder movement, which measures 22 mm in diameter. Historical documentation indicates that Vacheron & Constantin provided this movement to the Parisian jeweler Ferdinand Verger in 1894.

This movement was part of a batch of six delivered to the jeweler, illustrating a documented professional collaboration between the manufacturer and Verger during this period.

Evidence for this section
  • “Caliber 10R. cyl., diameter 22 mm”
  • “The movement of the present watch was delivered in 1894 by VACHERON & CONSTANTIN to Parisian jeweler Ferdinand Verger, along with five other movements.”

Historical Context and Condition

The watch is attributed to the late 19th century. The source indicates that the design draws inspiration from a 19th-century Breguet watch described as a 'boite à incrustations'.

Regarding its current state, the auction description reports that the movement requires an overhaul. The case is described as having slight scratches, while the dial is categorized in good condition.

Evidence for this section
  • “The present watch is one of a very special and rare type that derives its inspiration from a watch made by BREGUET”
  • “Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”
  • “Case: 3-8 Good Slightly scratched”

Open research questions

  • What is the extent of Ferdinand Verger’s role in the fabrication of the case versus the dial components?
  • Are there archival records identifying the original client for the six movements delivered to Verger in 1894?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vacheron Constantin Manual Winding Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerVacheron Constantin“VACHERON CONSTANTIN”
Movement number179008“Movement No. 179008”
Case number178226“Case No. 178226”
Caliber10R cylinder“Caliber 10R. cyl.”
Materials18K gold, platinum, diamonds, rubies, lapis lazuli, bloodstone, white chalcedony“pietra dura “incrustation lapis lazuli, bloodstone, white chalcedony dial” diamond-set bezel and diamond-set and ruby-set case.”
Movement delivery1894“The movement of the present watch was delivered in 1894 by VACHERON & CONSTANTIN to Parisian jeweler Ferdinand Verger”

Visible details

  • Pietra dura dial with inset white circular numeral markers
  • Diamond-set bezel and crown
  • Row of rubies set into the side of the case band
  • Moiré silk strap with gold clasp

Research qualifications

  • The exact manufacturing origin of the case is not explicitly stated beyond its collaboration with Ferdinand Verger
  • Historical inspiration from Breguet remains a stylistic comparison noted by the source rather than a verified production connection

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

Consulted source

VACHERON CONSTANTIN MADE BY PIETRA DURA AND FERDINAND VERGER, 18K GOLD AND PLATINUM

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 720b06e75e

Terms in this record

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

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