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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Center seconds wristwatch

Vacheron & Constantin Ref. 4885 Wristwatch

Partially verified

This 18K yellow gold wristwatch, reference 4885, was manufactured by Vacheron & Constantin in 1953. It features an oversized three-body case measuring 37 mm in diameter and 10 mm in thickness, characterized by a polished and brushed finish, a rounded bezel, concave lugs, and a snap-on case back. The watch houses the manually-wound caliber P454/5B, a rhodium-plated movement featuring fausses cotes decoration, 17 jewels, a straight-line lever escapement, a shock absorber, and a swan-neck regulator. The movement, which operates with a monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures and a self-compensating Breguet balance spring, drives an indirect center seconds mechanism. The black dial includes yellow gold dart indexes and a concentric minute and seconds track, complemented by yellow gold baton hands. The dial, case, and movement are signed by the manufacturer. The auction description records the case number as 334309 and the movement number as 495224.

Front view of the Vacheron & Constantin Ref. 4885 showing the black dial, gold dart indexes, and yellow gold case with concave lugs.
Front view of the Vacheron & Constantin Ref. 4885 showing the black dial, gold dart indexes, and yellow gold case with concave lugs. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Center seconds wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Vacheron & Constantin
Reference
4885
Catalogue / lot identifier
243
Source-reported date
1953
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
334309

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 timepiece features an 18K yellow gold three-body case, finished with a combination of polished and brushed surfaces. It is constructed with a rounded bezel, concave lugs, and a snap-on case back, measuring 37 mm in diameter and 10 mm in thickness. The exterior configuration is consistent with the reference 4885 classification.

The black dial displays yellow gold dart-style hour indexes, arranged around a concentric minute and seconds track. The time is indicated by yellow gold baton hands. The auction documentation notes that the dial shows signs of patination.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, solid, polished and brushed, rounded bezel, concave lugs, snap-on case back.”
  • “Black with yellow gold dart indexes, concentric minute/ seconds track. Yellow gold baton hands.”
  • “Patinated”

Movement and Escapement

Power is provided by the caliber P454/5B, a manually wound mechanical movement. It is finished with rhodium plating and fausses cotes decoration, incorporating 17 jewels. The technical specification includes an indirect center seconds function and a straight-line lever escapement.

Regulation is managed by a swan-neck regulator, and the balance assembly includes a shock absorber, a monometallic balance adjusted for temperatures, and a self-compensating Breguet balance spring.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. P454/5B, rhodium plated, fausses cotes decoration, 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance adjusted to temperatures, shock absorber, selfcompensating Breguet balance spring, swan-neck regulator.”
  • “Overhaul recommended”

Signatures and Condition

The watch is signed by the manufacturer on the dial, the case, and the movement. Identification numbers recorded for this example include movement number 495224 and case number 334309.

The auction report assigns a grading of 'AA' overall. Specifically, it assesses the case condition as '3' (Good), the movement condition as '2*' (Very good), and the dial condition as '2-10-01' (Very good). The hands are reported as original.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”
  • “movement No. 495224, case No. 334309”
  • “HANDS Original”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production volume of the reference 4885 in 18K yellow gold?
  • Does the '2-10-01' grading code for the dial refer to specific technical restoration details or aesthetic characteristics?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vacheron & Constantin Ref. 4885 Wristwatch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerVacheron & Constantin“Vacheron & Constantin, Genève”
Reference4885“Ref. 4885”
Case Number334309“case No. 334309”
Movement Number495224“movement No. 495224”
Date1953“Made in 1953.”
Movement CaliberP454/5B“Cal. P454/5B”
Case Dimensions37 mm diameter, 10 mm thickness“Diam. 37 mm. Thickness 10 mm.”
Jewel count17“17 jewels”

Visible details

  • Black dial with gold dart hour markers
  • Concave lug design on the 18K yellow gold case
  • Concentric track for minutes and seconds
  • Yellow gold baton style hands

Research qualifications

  • The auction description recommends an overhaul of the movement.
  • The dial is noted as having signs of patination.

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

Consulted source

VACHERON & CONSTANTIN REF. 4885 YELLOW GOLD Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, movement No. 495224, case No. 334309, Ref. 4885. Made in 1953. Very fine and rare, oversized, indirect center seconds, 18K yellow gold wristwatch with black dial.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 61d8208bdb

Terms in this record

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

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