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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch

Vacheron & Constantin Quarter Repeating Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This Vacheron & Constantin pocket watch, identified by movement number 183783, dates to approximately 1900. It is a keyless, quarter-repeating timekeeper housed in an 18K gold four-body case of the "bassine et filets" type with a polished finish and a hinged gold cuvette. The white enamel dial features radial Roman numerals, an outer minute track, and 24-hour markers, complemented by gold spade hands and a recessed subsidiary seconds dial. The watch is powered by a 29-jewel frosted gilt movement featuring wolf's tooth winding, a calibrated straight-line lever escapement, and a cut-bimetallic compensation balance equipped with both gold and platinum adjustment screws. Regulation is handled by a blued steel Breguet balance spring and a swan-neck micrometer regulator. The quarter-repeating mechanism is activated by a slide integrated into the case band. The dial, cuvette, and movement are signed by the maker, and the case is numbered.

Front view of the Vacheron & Constantin quarter-repeating pocket watch showing the 12-hour Roman numeral and 24-hour dial markers.
Front view of the Vacheron & Constantin quarter-repeating pocket watch showing the 12-hour Roman numeral and 24-hour dial markers. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Pocket watch · Quarter repeating pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Vacheron & Constantin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
73
Source-reported date
circa 1900
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
183783

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

The watch is enclosed in a four-body 18K gold case, designated by the source as "bassine et filets." The exterior features a polished finish, and the construction includes a hinged gold cuvette covering the movement. A slide is positioned on the band of the case to engage the repeating mechanism, which strikes the time on gongs.

The white enamel dial is marked with radial Roman numerals for the primary time display, accompanied by an outer minute track. Distinctive 24-hour markers are positioned around the dial, and a sunk subsidiary seconds dial is located at the bottom. Gold spade hands provide time indication, and the dial is signed by Vacheron & Constantin.

Evidence for this section
  • “Four-body, "bassine et filets", polished, hinged gold cuvette.”
  • “White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track and 24-hour markers, sunk subsidiary seconds dial.”
  • “Gold spade hands.”

Movement and Escapement

The movement measures 19''' and is finished in frosted gilt. It contains 29 jewels and incorporates wolf's tooth winding. The timekeeping is managed by a calibrated straight-line lever escapement paired with a cut-bimetallic compensation balance. This balance incorporates both gold and platinum screws for temperature and meantime adjustment.

Regulation is achieved via a blued steel Breguet balance spring in conjunction with a swan-neck micrometer regulator. The movement is signed and appears to be in a condition where the auction house suggests a professional overhaul to ensure optimal function.

Evidence for this section
  • “43 mm.(19'''), frosted gilt, 29 jewels, wolf's tooth winding”
  • “calibrated straight line lever escapement, cut-bimetallic compensation balance with gold and platinum temperature and meantime adjustment screws”
  • “blued steel Breguet balance spring, swan-neck micrometer regulator”

Signatures and Condition

The watch is signed by the manufacturer on the dial, the internal cuvette, and the main plate of the movement. The case bears its own serial number, which corresponds to the records identifying the piece as being made circa 1900.

The auction description provides a grading system for the watch, assigning the case a grade of 3 and the movement a grade of 2*. The dial is assessed at grade 2-01.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial, cuvette and movement signed, case numbered.”
  • “Grading System Grade: AA Very good”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

Open research questions

  • What is the historical significance of the 24-hour dial configuration in this specific series of Vacheron & Constantin watches?
  • Are there archival records providing the specific retail destination for this watch, given its unique dual-time format?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vacheron & Constantin Quarter Repeating Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerVacheron & Constantin“Vacheron & Constantin, Genève”
Serial Number183783“No. 183783”
Case TypeBassine et filets, four-body, 18K gold“Four-body, "bassine et filets", polished, hinged gold cuvette.”
Movement Details29 jewels, frosted gilt, wolf's tooth winding“43 mm.(19'''), frosted gilt, 29 jewels, wolf's tooth winding”
Repeating MechanismQuarter-repeating activated by a slide“repeating on gongs activated by a slide on the band.”
Balance AssemblyCut-bimetallic with gold and platinum screws“cut-bimetallic compensation balance with gold and platinum temperature and meantime adjustment screws”
Dial FeaturesRadial Roman numerals, outer minute track, 24-hour markers“White enamel with radial Roman numerals, outer minute track and 24-hour markers”

Visible details

  • Case features a slide on the band for the repeating mechanism
  • Dial displays both 12-hour Roman numerals and 24-hour markers
  • Movement utilizes wolf's tooth winding
  • Case is of a four-body construction with polished surfaces

Research qualifications

  • The auction description indicates that an overhaul is recommended
  • The exact gold content of the balance adjustment screws is derived from the auction description

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

Consulted source

VACHERON & CONSTANTIN QUARTER REPEATING POCKET WATCH Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, No. 183783. Made circa 1900. Very fine and rare, heavy 18K gold, keyless quarter-repeating pocket watch with 24-hour dial.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 1f31e21ddf

Terms in this record

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

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