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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Montre à volets

Vacheron & Constantin Montre à Volets Wristwatch

Partially verified

This Vacheron & Constantin wristwatch, identified by movement number 412887, was delivered in 1930. The timepiece is a square 'montre à volets' model, featuring an intricate case manufactured by Verger Frères, numbered 12508. The construction is a three-body, two-tone design composed of 18K white and yellow gold, measuring 27 x 27 mm. A distinguishing feature is the dial, which is concealed by yellow gold shutters that are opened via a crown positioned at 9 o'clock, while a second crown at 3 o'clock serves as the winder. The white gold bezel is decorated with stylized black enamel 'cubiste' numerals and triangular indexes. Inside, the watch is powered by a rhodium-plated Caliber R.A. 9''' 94 movement, which contains 15 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, and a cut bimetallic balance adjusted to five positions. It is fitted with blued steel 'épée' hands.

Front view of the Vacheron & Constantin montre à volets with gold shutters partially obscuring the dial, showing the 3 o'clock winding crown and the 9 o'clock crown for the shutter mechanism.
Front view of the Vacheron & Constantin montre à volets with gold shutters partially obscuring the dial, showing the 3 o'clock winding crown and the 9 o'clock crown for the shutter mechanism. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Montre à volets
Maker / attribution
Vacheron & Constantin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
86
Source-reported date
1930
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
412887

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 utilizes a distinctive three-body case configuration crafted from 18K white and yellow gold. The bezel, composed of white gold, provides a contrasting frame for the dial and is ornamented with stylized 'cubiste' numerals and triangular indexes rendered in black enamel. The case exhibits both polished and brushed surface finishes.

The dial is shielded by an integrated set of yellow gold shutters. These shutters are operated via a dedicated crown situated at the 9 o'clock position, while a separate winding crown is located at 3 o'clock. The watch is further equipped with blued steel 'épée' style hands, which are revealed once the shutter mechanism is retracted.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, two-tone, solid, polished and brushed”
  • “yellow gold shut-tersopening by the means of a crown at 9 o'clock, winder at 3 o'clock”

Movement and Technical Specifications

The watch is powered by the Vacheron & Constantin caliber R.A. 9''' 94. This rhodium-plated movement incorporates 15 jewels and a straight-line lever escapement. The timing regulation is achieved through a cut bimetallic balance that has been adjusted to five positions, paired with a flat balance-spring.

Technical integrity is supported by the inclusion of a French patent, FR 691683, which pertains to the shuttered design of the case. The movement and dial are both signed by the manufacturer, and the case bears matching stamps and identification numbers.

Evidence for this section
  • “94, rhodium-plated, 15 jewels, straight line lever escapement”
  • “cut bimetallic balance adjusted to five positions, flat balance-spring”
  • “(French patent No. FR 691683)”

Condition and Attribution

The object is identified as a Vacheron & Constantin creation, with the case attribution given to Verger Frères.

The object is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. The total thickness of the case is stated as 7.5 mm.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case by Verger Frères”
  • “Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity”
  • “Grading System Grade: AAA Excellent Case: 3 Good Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement bear any specific maker's mark associated with Verger Frères beyond the provided movement number?
  • To what extent did Verger Frères collaborate with Vacheron & Constantin on similar shuttered designs during the 1930s?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vacheron & Constantin Montre à Volets Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerVacheron & Constantin“Vacheron & Constantin, Genève”
Movement Number412887“movement No. 412887”
Case MakerVerger Frères“Case by Verger Frères”
Case Number12508“No. 12508”
Production Date1930“delivered in 1930”
Dimensions27 x 27 mm“Dim. 27 x 27 mm”
PatentsFrench patent No. FR 691683“(French patent No. FR 691683)”
Jewels15“15 jewels”

Visible details

  • Two crowns featuring blue cabochon-style stones.
  • Square white gold bezel with black enamel markings.
  • Yellow gold shutter mechanism covering the dial.
  • Polished and brushed two-tone case finish.

Research qualifications

  • Condition reported with specific gradings (Case 3, Movement 3*, Dial 3) requiring interpretation.
  • The overhaul recommendation remains unverified by physical inspection.

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

Consulted source

Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, movement No. 412887, delivered in 1930. Case by Verger Frères, No. 12508. Extremely rare and fine, square, 18K white and yellow gold Art Deco gentleman's 'montre à volets' wrist-watch with two crowns and dial concealed by shutters. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 82665a8ff7

Terms in this record

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