27,600 CHF
So-called “Lips” Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, No. 485633, case No. 348255, Ref. 4984. Made in 1955. Very fine and rare, rectangular, lobed, 18K pink gold gentleman's wristwatch with a pink gold Vacheron Constantin buckle. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. Two-body, solid, polished, double curved sides holding the "bombe" crystal. Matte silvered with appliedgold indexes, subsidiary seconds. Pink gold "bâton" hands and dart indexes. Cal. 11’’’ 435/3C, tonneau,rhodium-plated, "fausses côtes" decoration, 17 jewels, straight line lever escapement, beryllium balance withtiming screws, adjusted to temperatures, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring.Dial, case and movement signed.Dim. 24 x 39 mm. Thickness:10 mm. Notes Ref. 4984 is considered by collectors to be one of the most desirable rectangular wristwatches. At the time, the two major Genevan watchmaking companies being quite competitive and attentive to the evolution of the market, they often produced similar models. The present reference bears a striking resemblance to Patek Philippe’s Ref. 1588. Both watches were commercial successes, and reflect the influence automobile design had for the designers of the period. For an identical watch in yellow gold, see lot 219.
Auctioneer:
Antiquorum
Date:
2005-04-03
