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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Minute-repeating chronograph pocket watch

Vacheron Constantin Minute-Repeating Chronograph Open-Faced Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This open-faced pocket watch by Vacheron Constantin dates to 1903 according to an included Extract from the Archives and combines a minute repeater with a chronograph. Housed in an 18K yellow gold demi-bassine case measuring 49 mm in diameter, the timepiece is powered by the manual-wind calibre RA17'"I movement recorded under number 324'133. The white enamel dial is styled with painted black Breguet numerals, an outer calibrated track, blued steel hands, a 30-minute register at 12 o'clock, and constant sub-seconds at 6 o'clock.

Front view of the 18K yellow gold Vacheron Constantin minute-repeating chronograph pocket watch
Front view of the 18K yellow gold Vacheron Constantin minute-repeating chronograph pocket watch — Phillips. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.phillips.com
Category
Pocket watch · Minute-repeating chronograph pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Vacheron Constantin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
972
Source-reported date
1903
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
196'444

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 Construction and Exterior Hardware

The open-faced pocket watch is cased in 18K yellow gold measuring 49 mm in diameter, described in the auction cataloguing as having a "demi-bassine" profile. Exterior hardware visible in front observation includes a winding crown and suspension bow situated at 12 o'clock, with an elongated slide for the repeating mechanism located on the left case flank.

The catalog notes that the movement is accessed underneath a hinged caseback, though the reverse is not visible in the primary front photograph. Case number 196'444 is recorded in the lot specifications, and the case is catalogued as signed.

Evidence for this section
  • “Material 18K yellow gold”
  • ““demi-bassine” 49mm diameter case”
  • “Winding crown and bow located at 12 o'clock”
  • “Repeater slide visible on the left case flank”
  • “Revealed underneath the hinged caseback you will find the blued steel balance spring cal. RA17’”I that chimes with clarity.”
  • “Case No 196’444”
  • “Signed Case, dial and movement signed”

Dial Configuration and Hands

The watch features a white enamel dial marked with painted black Breguet numerals and blued steel hands. Front observations confirm blued steel Breguet hands for hours and minutes, along with blued chronograph register hands.

Two subsidiary dials are arranged vertically on the dial: a 30-minute chronograph totalizer positioned below 12 o'clock and a continuous seconds register at 6 o'clock. The dial is also catalogued by the auction house as being signed by the maker.

Evidence for this section
  • “white enamel dial decorated with painted black Breguet numerals and blued steel hands”
  • “White enamel dial with painted black Breguet numerals”
  • “Blued steel Breguet hands and blued chronograph hands”
  • “Two subsidiary dials vertically aligned at 12 and 6 o'clock”
  • “Signed Case, dial and movement signed”

Reported Movement and Archival Dating

While not shown in the primary photograph, the movement is catalogued as the manual-wind calibre RA17'"I featuring a blued steel balance spring. The mechanism provides minute-repeating and chronograph complications, and bears movement number 324'133.

Accompanying the watch is a Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming 1903 as the date of manufacture. The movement is recorded as signed by the manufacturer.

Evidence for this section
  • “Calibre Manual, cal. RA17’”I”
  • “Movement No 324’133”
  • “blued steel balance spring cal. RA17’”I”
  • “minute-repeating chronograph function”
  • “Delivered with Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1903.”
  • “Signed Case, dial and movement signed”

Open research questions

  • What markings, purity hallmarks, or serial stamps are engraved on the inner cuvette or inner hinged caseback?
  • Is the chronograph operated through a coaxial button set within the winding crown or an auxiliary pusher?
  • What bridge architecture, jewel count, and regulator configuration are present on calibre RA17'"I movement number 324'133?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vacheron Constantin Minute-Repeating Chronograph Open-Faced Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ManufacturerVacheron Constantin“Manufacturer Vacheron Constantin”
Year1903“Year 1903”
Movement Number324’133“Movement No 324’133”
Case Number196’444“Case No 196’444”
Material18K yellow gold“Material 18K yellow gold”
CalibreManual, cal. RA17’”I“Calibre Manual, cal. RA17’”I”
Dimensions49mm diameter“Dimensions 49mm diameter”
Accompanying DocumentationVacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture in 1903“Delivered with Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming its date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1903.”
Reported SignaturesCase, dial, and movement signed“Signed Case, dial and movement signed”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial with painted black Breguet numerals
  • Blued steel Breguet hands and blued chronograph hands
  • Winding crown and bow located at 12 o'clock
  • Repeater slide visible on the left case flank
  • Two subsidiary dials vertically aligned at 12 and 6 o'clock

Research qualifications

  • Movement and hinged caseback are not visible in the provided image; movement details and case number rely on auction source records

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

Consulted source

Vacheron Constantin The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV

Reviewed 2026-10-21 · Record a134ab0c55

Terms in this record

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