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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Tourbillon pocket chronometer

Vacheron & Constantin Tourbillon Observatory Chronometer No. 428884

Partially verified

This Vacheron & Constantin observatory chronometer, serial number 428884, is a specialized timing instrument produced around 1940 for participation in competitive events at the Geneva Observatory. The object features an observatory calibre known as 'RA 19'' Tourbillon' and is housed in its original case intended for contest use, which is glazed on both sides. The movement incorporates a tourbillon mechanism, wolf's toothing, and is finished with Geneva stripes. The watch retains an original signed enamel dial and is equipped with blued steel hands. Records indicate the movement participated in observatory competitions sixteen times between 1947 and 1968, winning 1st place twice. Unlike other examples later recased in gold for commercial sale, this piece remains in its original contest housing and is accompanied by an extract from the company archives confirming its provenance and original construction.

The Vacheron & Constantin movement No. 428884, featuring a tourbillon, Geneva stripes, and wolf's toothing, displayed against various extracts from the archives.
The Vacheron & Constantin movement No. 428884, featuring a tourbillon, Geneva stripes, and wolf's toothing, displayed against various extracts from the archives. — Cortrie Spezial Auktionen (via Invaluable). Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.invaluable.com
Category
Pocket watch · Tourbillon pocket chronometer
Maker / attribution
Vacheron & Constantin
Reference
Not recorded
Catalogue / lot identifier
4196
Source-reported date
ca. 1940
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
428884

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

Movement and Construction

The watch is powered by a Vacheron & Constantin observatory calibre specifically designed for competition purposes. The movement, identified as 'RA 19'' Tourbillon', features traditional high-grade horological finishes, including Geneva stripes on the plates and wolf's toothing on the winding wheels. A tourbillon regulator is integrated into the movement, designed for the high-precision requirements of observatory testing.

The watch is housed in an original, contest-specific case. It is constructed to be glazed on both sides, a configuration intended to allow inspection of the movement during competition cycles. This specific example remains in its original state and has not undergone the aftermarket recasing into gold housings that other similar movements from the manufacturer's stock experienced in the 1980s and 1990s.

Evidence for this section
  • “Vacheron & Constantin observatory chronometer with tourbillon, No. 428884, wolf's toothing, Geneva stripes”
  • “It is an observatory calibre with the designation: ' RA 19''. Tourbillon'”
  • “original case for the contest, glazed on both sides”

Competition and Provenance

The chronometer was created in 1940 for the purpose of participating in competitive timing trials held at the Geneva Observatory. It maintained a consistent presence in these events for over two decades, appearing in competitions sixteen times between 1947 and 1968. The watch achieved significant performance results during this period, including two 1st place finishes.

According to the documentation, these movements were not originally intended for commercial sale or public circulation. The current offering is accompanied by an extract from the Vacheron & Constantin archives, which confirms the authenticity of the movement and its history, noting specifically that it has never been removed from its original competition housing.

Evidence for this section
  • “This tourbillon took part in the competition 16 times from 1947 to 1968”
  • “It even won 1st place twice!”
  • “These watches were never actually intended for sale and therefore never entered circulation”

Authentication and Documentation

The auction description reports that confirmation of the watch's authenticity has been secured directly from Vacheron & Constantin. This validation includes a formal extract from the manufacturer's archives. The documentation serves to distinguish this piece from other 'sister movements' that were later modified by the manufacturer's Atelier Cabinotiers for the 'Coffret Observatoire' project.

The documentation provided with the lot covers the entirety of the movement's competition record. This includes data relevant to the watch's performance across its documented history at the observatory, ensuring the preservation of its provenance as a competitive timing instrument.

Evidence for this section
  • “We have the confirmation of authenticity from Vacheron& Constantin and the confirmation that the 428884 tourbillon was never encased in a pocket watch case, the extract from the archives as well!”
  • “All contest results for the watch are available!”

Open research questions

  • What is the metallurgical composition of the 'original contest case'?
  • Are there specific variations in the 'RA 19' tourbillon' calibre compared to standard production Vacheron movements of the same era?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vacheron & Constantin Tourbillon Observatory Chronometer No. 428884
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerVacheron & Constantin“Vacheron & Constantin”
Serial Number428884“TOURBILLON 428884”
Dateca. 1940“ca. 1940”
Calibre DesignationRA 19'' Tourbillon“' RA 19''. Tourbillon'”
Competition History16 times between 1947 and 1968“This tourbillon took part in the competition 16 times from 1947 to 1968”
Case TypeOriginal case for contest, glazed on both sides“original case for the contest, glazed on both sides”

Visible details

  • Movement features a tourbillon carriage visible through the case back
  • The movement plates exhibit Geneva stripe finishing
  • The winding gear displays wolf's toothing
  • The watch is presented in a metal-finish case with a long stem

Research qualifications

  • The exact composition of the 'original case' material is not explicitly stated in the source text
  • The long-term functional condition of the movement is described as 'in working order' by the auction house but was not independently verified

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

Consulted source

Historically important timing contest chronometer, TOURBILLON 428884, Vacheron & Constantin, ca. 1940, with extract from the archives

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record a84f5f7682

Terms in this record

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

Other tourbillon pocket chronometer records