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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Dress watch

Vacheron & Constantin 'Montre Couteau' Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This 18K yellow gold dress watch is a keyless 'montre couteau' timepiece produced in the 1940s by Vacheron & Constantin. It is accompanied by an 18K yellow gold châtelaine retailed by Hermès of Paris. The watch features a three-body case design with a very thin polished edge and an integrated semi-oval pendant for the chain attachment. The dial is finished in a champagne tone with applied yellow gold bâton indexes and matching bâton hands. Internally, the watch is powered by a rhodium-plated Caliber 1003 movement, which displays 'fausses côtes' decoration. The movement includes 17 jewels and a straight-line lever escapement with a monometallic balance adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism, and five positions.

Front view of the Vacheron & Constantin watch with attached Hermès châtelaine.
Front view of the Vacheron & Constantin watch with attached Hermès châtelaine. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Dress watch
Maker / attribution
Vacheron & Constantin
Reference
6345
Catalogue / lot identifier
239
Source-reported date
1940s
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
547983

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 Design

The watch features an 18K yellow gold 'montre couteau' (knife-edge) case, a design characterized by its thin profile. An integrated semi-oval pendant serves as the attachment point for the included 18K yellow gold Hermès châtelaine.

The dial is finished in a champagne tone, which provides a neutral background for the applied yellow gold bâton indexes. Time is indicated by matching yellow gold bâton hands. The dial, case, and movement are signed by the manufacturer, with additional retailer signatures appearing on the case and the chain.

Evidence for this section
  • “three-body with very thin edge, solid, polished, integrated semi-oval pendant”
  • “D. champagne with applied yellow gold bâton indexes”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed, case and chaine signed by the retailer”

Movement and Technical Specifications

It is finished with rhodium plating and features 'fausses côtes' decoration across the bridges. The movement includes 17 jewels and a straight-line lever escapement.

Regarding its chronometric performance, the monometallic balance is adjusted to accommodate five positions as well as variations in heat, cold, and isochronism. A flat balance-spring is utilized within the regulation system.

Evidence for this section
  • “M. Cal. 1003, rhodium-plated, "fausses côtes" decoration, 17 jewels”
  • “straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, flat balance-spring”
  • “Movement: 3* Good Overhaul recommended”

Provenance and Documentation

It is confirmed to have been produced during the 1940s. Documentation accompanying the lot includes an Extract from the Archives provided by the manufacturer.

The condition of the object has been assessed under a grading system, where the watch is classified as 'Very good'. The specific components—the dial, case, and movement—have been evaluated individually by the auction house to provide an overview of the current state of the piece.

Evidence for this section
  • “Produced in the 1940s”
  • “Accompanied by the Extract from the Archives”
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good”

Open research questions

  • What are the specific archival dates associated with case number 372942?
  • Is the Hermès châtelaine original to the initial sale of this specific watch?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vacheron & Constantin 'Montre Couteau' Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerVacheron & Constantin“Vacheron & Constantin, Genève”
RetailerHermès, Paris“retailed by Hermès, Paris”
Reference Number6345“Ref. 6345”
Movement Number547983“No. 547983”
Case Number372942“case No. 372942”
Movement CaliberCal. 1003“M. Cal. 1003”
Material18K yellow gold“18K yellow gold ?montre couteau? dress watch”
Dial DetailsChampagne with applied yellow gold indices“D. champagne with applied yellow gold bâton indexes”

Visible details

  • 18K yellow gold case and matching châtelaine
  • Champagne-colored dial with bâton indexes
  • Integrated semi-oval pendant at the top of the case
  • Thin profile consistent with a 'montre couteau' style

Research qualifications

  • The movement condition is reported as good, though an overhaul is recommended by the auction house
  • Exact production date within the 1940s is not specified

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

Consulted source

Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, retailed by Hermès, Paris, No. 547983, case No. 372942, Ref. 6345. Produced in the 1940s.Very fine and rare, extra thin, keyless, 18K yellow gold 'montre couteau' dress watch with an 18K yellow gold Hermès châtelaine. Accompanied by the Extract from the Archives.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record a7b263e1a8

Terms in this record

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

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