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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Pocket watch · Open-face medallion pocket watch

Vacheron Constantin Yellow Gold Openface Pocket Watch Medallion 'Shah of Iran', Ref. 7945

Partially verified

This Vacheron Constantin reference 7945 is a 30 mm openface yellow gold pocket watch medallion dating to circa the 1970s. It features a champagne dial with applied hour batons and central hands configured for time-only display. According to the auction catalogue, the manual-wind movement is numbered 638'713, and the piece was commissioned as a special order from the Royal Court of Iran to commemorate the 'White Revolution', featuring a case back depicting Mohammad-Reza Pahlavi, the last Shah of Iran. A textured wide bezel accented with five-pointed stars surrounds the dial, fitted with an arched bow and a long black cord tassel.

Dial and bezel view of the Vacheron Constantin yellow gold openface medallion pocket watch ref. 7945 with attached tassel
Dial and bezel view of the Vacheron Constantin yellow gold openface medallion pocket watch ref. 7945 with attached tassel — Christie's. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
onlineonly.christies.com
Category
Pocket watch · Open-face medallion pocket watch
Maker / attribution
Vacheron Constantin
Reference
7945
Catalogue / lot identifier
350
Source-reported date
circa 1970s
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
638'713

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Persian connection and manufacture

Persian connection and manufacture
EvidenceWhat the record supportsWhat remains unproved
ManufactureVacheron Constantin; recorded country Switzerland.Iranian manufacture of the movement.
Royal commissionChristie’s reports a Royal Court special order and White Revolution commemoration.Independent archival confirmation or personal ownership by the Shah.
Photographed viewDial, star-pattern bezel and tassel.Portrait and movement number from this front photograph alone.

Evidence checklist

  1. Separate the maker’s location from the subject of a portrait or inscription.
  2. Keep auction statements attributed, including commission and condition claims.
  3. Match internal or reverse views to the exact listing before extending a description.

Commission, manufacture and subsequent ownership are separate claims. A court-themed watch is not automatically the ruler’s personal watch.

Persian and Iranian horology · regional evidence

Object description

Identity and Attribution

This Vacheron Constantin reference 7945 is a 30 mm yellow gold open-face pocket watch medallion. The item is described by the source as a special order commissioned by the Royal Court of Iran to commemorate the 'White Revolution'.

The case back is documented as featuring a depiction of the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad-Reza Pahlavi. These details are reported by the source; independent verification of the case back is limited by the provided imagery.

Evidence for this section
  • “REF. 7945”
  • “REMARK: Case back commemorating the Iranian 'White Revolution', Special order from the Royal court of Iran”
  • “CASE MATERIAL: Yellow gold, case back depicting the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad-Reza Pahlavi.”
  • “CASE DIAMETER: 30 mm.”

Dial and Exterior Observations

The timepiece features a champagne dial with applied baton indices and matching central hands for time-only display. The dial is signed 'VACHERON & CONSTANTIN GENÈVE' below the 12 o'clock position and 'SWISS' at 6 o'clock.

The wide circular yellow gold bezel is decorated with raised five-pointed stars. The source reports oxidation on the applied baton markers and scratches on the edge of the bezel at 12 and 6 o'clock. A black cord tassel is attached to the oval bow.

Evidence for this section
  • “DIAL: Champagne”
  • “Champagne dial signed 'VACHERON & CONSTANTIN GENÈVE' below 12 o'clock and 'SWISS' at 6 o'clock.”
  • “Broad circular yellow gold bezel decorated with raised five-pointed stars around the periphery.”
  • “Dial: Some oxidations on applied batons. Scratches on the edge of the bezel at 12 and 6.”

Mechanism and Condition

The watch is powered by a manual-wind movement, recorded as number 638'713. The source notes the movement was ticking at the time of cataloging and functions were working, while stating that a service is recommended.

The case is described as being in overall good condition with signs of wear and oxidation.

Evidence for this section
  • “MOVEMENT: Manual”
  • “MOVEMENT NO: 638'713”
  • “The movement is ticking at the time of cataloguing and all functions are working; however, a service is recommended.”
  • “Case: The case is in overall good condition with signs of wear. Some signs due to oxidation.”

Open research questions

  • Are there archival records at Vacheron Constantin confirming the 'White Revolution' commission?
  • Does the serial number 638'713 align with production records for reference 7945?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vacheron Constantin Yellow Gold Openface Pocket Watch Medallion 'Shah of Iran', Ref. 7945
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Movement number638'713“MOVEMENT NO: 638'713”
Case materialYellow gold“CASE MATERIAL: Yellow gold, case back depicting the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad-Reza Pahlavi.”
Case diameter30 mm“CASE DIAMETER: 30 mm.”
Dial colorChampagne“DIAL: Champagne”
Movement typeManual“MOVEMENT: Manual”
Reference7945“REF. 7945”
Commemorative attributionWhite Revolution special order“REMARK: Case back commemorating the Iranian 'White Revolution', Special order from the Royal court of Iran”
Approximate Datecirca 1970s“CIRCA: 1970s”
Included AccessoriesPresentation box“WITH: Presentation box”

Visible details

  • Champagne dial signed 'VACHERON & CONSTANTIN GENÈVE' below 12 o'clock and 'SWISS' at 6 o'clock.
  • Applied baton hour markers and central baton hands for time-only indication.
  • Broad circular yellow gold bezel decorated with raised five-pointed stars around the periphery.
  • Serrated coin-edge outer case rim and fluted winding crown situated beneath an oval bow.
  • Black cord tassel tied directly through the top bow.
  • Visible surface oxidation and tarnish around the inner bezel flange.

Research qualifications

  • The case back portrait of Mohammad-Reza Pahlavi is not visible in the provided dial-side photograph.
  • Movement number and condition cannot be independently verified from the single exterior image.

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

Consulted source

VACHERON CONSTANTIN, YELLOW GOLD OPENFACE POCKET WATCH MEDALLION 'SHAH OF IRAN', REF. 7945, | Christie’s

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 74ffa6181b

Terms in this record

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

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