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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Single-button chronograph pocket watch

Vacheron & Constantin Silver Single-Button Chronograph Pocket Watch

Partially verified

This single-button chronograph pocket watch by Vacheron & Constantin is catalogued to circa 1918. Sotheby's reports that it was commissioned by the U.S. Army during the World War I era to supervise railroad operations and coordinate troop movements. The watch features a 52 mm bassine-style silver case (.900 European fine silver) with a snap-on case back. Its white enamel dial is inscribed 'CORPS OF ENGINEERS, U.S.A.' and 'VACHERON & CONSTANTIN GENEVE', fitted with oversized Arabic numerals, skeletonized hands with aged luminous material, and a subsidiary seconds or register dial at 6 o'clock.

Front view of the Vacheron & Constantin 'Corps of Engineers' silver single-button chronograph pocket watch
Front view of the Vacheron & Constantin 'Corps of Engineers' silver single-button chronograph pocket watch — Sotheby's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.sothebys.com
Category
Pocket watch · Single-button chronograph pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Vacheron & Constantin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1918
Country
Switzerland

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

Historical Context

This Vacheron & Constantin timepiece is a chronograph dating to approximately 1918.

The source states that the watch was commissioned by the U.S. Army in 1918 and was primarily used to supervise railroad operations and coordinate troop movements in France.

Evidence for this section
  • “Commissioned by the U.S. Army in 1918”
  • “these rare, silver-cased (.900 European fine silver) pocket watches were primarily used to supervise railroad operations and coordinate troop movements in France”

Dial and Visual Features

The white enamel dial is signed 'VACHERON & CONSTANTIN' and features the inscription 'CORPS OF ENGINEERS, U.S.A.'

The dial displays oversized Arabic numerals and the hands show some loss of luminous material. The case is described as 52 mm with a bassine style.

Evidence for this section
  • “The Vacheron & Constantin "Corps of Engineers" watch”
  • “white enamel dial features these oversized arabic numerals”
  • “The hands with some luminous material losses”
  • “The case measures 52 mm with a bassine style”

Condition and Record Limitations

The movement was reported as running at the time of cataloging, but it was not tested for timekeeping accuracy or power reserve duration.

The case shows light surface wear, and the enamel dial is described as intact.

Evidence for this section
  • “The enamel dial is nice and intact.”
  • “The case with light surface wear throughout.”
  • “The movement is running at the time of cataloging, however, it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber used in this reference?
  • Does the movement signature confirm Vacheron & Constantin manufacture as stated in the product details?
  • Are there specific internal markings or hallmarks that differentiate these military-commissioned models from civilian versions?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vacheron & Constantin Silver Single-Button Chronograph Pocket Watch
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
CommissionCommissioned by the U.S. Army in 1918“Commissioned by the U.S. Army in 1918”
Case material.900 European fine silver“silver-cased (.900 European fine silver)”
Case size52 mm“The case measures 52 mm”
DialWhite enamel with oversized arabic numerals“the white enamel dial features these oversized arabic numerals”
Case backSnap-on“Case Back Snap-on”
Case styleBassine style“bassine style”

Visible details

  • White enamel dial inscribed 'CORPS OF ENGINEERS, U.S.A.' and 'VACHERON & CONSTANTIN GENEVE'
  • Large outlined Arabic hour numerals filled with luminous compound
  • Blued skeletonized hands with partial luminous compound loss
  • Subsidiary dial located at 6 o'clock and outer calibrated minutes/fifths track
  • Pusher positioned on the case shoulder near 11 o'clock, with crown and bow at 12 o'clock
  • Rounded silver open-face case showing light surface wear

Research qualifications

  • Movement and interior case back are not pictured in the provided source record
  • Source notes light surface wear on the case and luminous material losses on the hands

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

Consulted source

Vacheron Constantin Vintage A Silver Single Button Chronograph Mechanical Watch With Enamel Dial. Circa 1918 Available For Immediate Sale At Sotheby’s

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 01b3f4e253

Terms in this record

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