Product Details
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Vacheron Constantin
Chronometre Royal
Ref. 4907
Gay Freres 18K Bracelet
If you are looking for a vintage timepiece from the “Holy Trinity” of watchmakers (Audemars Piquet, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin), but cannot find anything that wears large enough, or is visually striking enough, then CONGRATULATIONS! Your search, my friend, is now over……
From the oldest continuously running horological house in Switzerland, Vacheron & Constantin, comes this truly breathtaking and bespoke vintage timepiece, the reference 4907 Chronometre Royal. This particular example is an absolute “must have” for any collector of truly upper echelon vintage timepieces.
This particular watch was produced in approximately 1953 according to the serial and caseback numbers, and is indeed unusual for two particular reasons, which will we discuss in detail.
Let’s start with the caseback. While previously stated that this is a 4907, it is with great interest that the inside caseback reference number is 4838. At first glance, this seems to be problematic, but upon further investigation, this is not the only such example. Another example would be from the Phillips Auction House of Hong Kong, October 8th, 2017, Auction, lot #235, where that example includes the following notes - “Signed Dial, case, and movement. The present lot is an excellent Ref. 4907......... What brings to our attention is that, in this example, the model number engraved on caseback "4838" doesn't match with its own model number, which should be "4907". And to the best of our knowledge, only certain number of this reference, mostly produced during its launch year 1953, were equipped with this "4838" caseback by "error". And all examples produced after 1954 were with the right caseback...” It is also worth noting that the 4838 models used movements with subsidiary second hands, and all 4907s were equipped with a center sweep second.
The second very distinct and noteworthy point of interest that helps make this timepiece a true gem and rarity is that is is mounted to an absolutely stunning, handmade, “brick” style 18k solid gold Gay Freres bracelet marked “G.F. 4/59 750. The clasp has three different size grooves and will fit wrist sizes (approximately) 6.5”, 6.75”, and 7”. Due to the very flexible nature of this design, it wears in an incredibly comfortable manner.
The most striking design element of this reference, as mentioned by many others in blogs, videos, etc, are the absolutely striking, thick, straight lugs. This gives the watch a VERY distinctive shape and is instantly recognizable. While the case may “only” measure 35mm in diameter, it most definitely does NOT wear like a 35mm case due largely in part to the afformentioned bold lug design, as the lug-to-lug sizes of this timepiece is a GARGANTUAN 42mm(!).
Inside of this most impressive frame of casework, you will find the heart and soul of the 4907 Chronometer Royal, the 19 Jewel Vacheron Constantin P1008/BS. The base caliber for this movement is a Jaeger LeCoultre 4xx Eubache and was customized, finished, and adjusted to temperature, isochronism, and positionality, and is stamped with the Geneve Seal. Truly a hand finished masterpiece, Vacheron has completely refinished the bridges, almost covered the winding wheels and gives the escapement a cock. A bridge in the center accommodates the sweep second.
On the other side of the movement, you will find a white painted dial, in good condition, with a mix of hour marker styes and sword style hands. While this watch has been worn, it is far from “worn out”. This is a good, honest piece that will be equally comfortable in your display as it is on your wrist. Service history is unknown, but according to our loupes and timegrapher, the watch is nowhere near in need of a service. Buy with confidence. This watch is a top-class example of a hard-to-find gem that will impress everyone from the most jaded collector to the random passerby whom isn’t even in to timepieces.
Measurements:
Diameter without crown - 35mm
Diameter with crown - 36mm
Lug to Lug - 42mm
Lug width - 19mm
Buckle width - 14.7mm
Movement:
Vacheron Constantin - P1008/BS
Serial – 508681
Caseback Marked:
335633
4838
18K
.750
Vacheron & Constantin
Swiss
Chronometre Royal
Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men’s watches typically measure between 29-36mm wide (some larger, some smaller) excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women’s watches from the 1900s-1970s were also much smaller than today's offerings. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.
We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust lighting when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.
The condition is pre-owned.
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear but is fully operational and functions as intended.
Please review the photos and feel free to ask any questions you may have.
It will be carefully packed.
Please view our other listings.
Thank you for looking!
WA-3292
Chronometre Royal
Ref. 4907
Gay Freres 18K Bracelet
If you are looking for a vintage timepiece from the “Holy Trinity” of watchmakers (Audemars Piquet, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin), but cannot find anything that wears large enough, or is visually striking enough, then CONGRATULATIONS! Your search, my friend, is now over……
From the oldest continuously running horological house in Switzerland, Vacheron & Constantin, comes this truly breathtaking and bespoke vintage timepiece, the reference 4907 Chronometre Royal. This particular example is an absolute “must have” for any collector of truly upper echelon vintage timepieces.
This particular watch was produced in approximately 1953 according to the serial and caseback numbers, and is indeed unusual for two particular reasons, which will we discuss in detail.
Let’s start with the caseback. While previously stated that this is a 4907, it is with great interest that the inside caseback reference number is 4838. At first glance, this seems to be problematic, but upon further investigation, this is not the only such example. Another example would be from the Phillips Auction House of Hong Kong, October 8th, 2017, Auction, lot #235, where that example includes the following notes - “Signed Dial, case, and movement. The present lot is an excellent Ref. 4907......... What brings to our attention is that, in this example, the model number engraved on caseback "4838" doesn't match with its own model number, which should be "4907". And to the best of our knowledge, only certain number of this reference, mostly produced during its launch year 1953, were equipped with this "4838" caseback by "error". And all examples produced after 1954 were with the right caseback...” It is also worth noting that the 4838 models used movements with subsidiary second hands, and all 4907s were equipped with a center sweep second.
The second very distinct and noteworthy point of interest that helps make this timepiece a true gem and rarity is that is is mounted to an absolutely stunning, handmade, “brick” style 18k solid gold Gay Freres bracelet marked “G.F. 4/59 750. The clasp has three different size grooves and will fit wrist sizes (approximately) 6.5”, 6.75”, and 7”. Due to the very flexible nature of this design, it wears in an incredibly comfortable manner.
The most striking design element of this reference, as mentioned by many others in blogs, videos, etc, are the absolutely striking, thick, straight lugs. This gives the watch a VERY distinctive shape and is instantly recognizable. While the case may “only” measure 35mm in diameter, it most definitely does NOT wear like a 35mm case due largely in part to the afformentioned bold lug design, as the lug-to-lug sizes of this timepiece is a GARGANTUAN 42mm(!).
Inside of this most impressive frame of casework, you will find the heart and soul of the 4907 Chronometer Royal, the 19 Jewel Vacheron Constantin P1008/BS. The base caliber for this movement is a Jaeger LeCoultre 4xx Eubache and was customized, finished, and adjusted to temperature, isochronism, and positionality, and is stamped with the Geneve Seal. Truly a hand finished masterpiece, Vacheron has completely refinished the bridges, almost covered the winding wheels and gives the escapement a cock. A bridge in the center accommodates the sweep second.
On the other side of the movement, you will find a white painted dial, in good condition, with a mix of hour marker styes and sword style hands. While this watch has been worn, it is far from “worn out”. This is a good, honest piece that will be equally comfortable in your display as it is on your wrist. Service history is unknown, but according to our loupes and timegrapher, the watch is nowhere near in need of a service. Buy with confidence. This watch is a top-class example of a hard-to-find gem that will impress everyone from the most jaded collector to the random passerby whom isn’t even in to timepieces.
Measurements:
Diameter without crown - 35mm
Diameter with crown - 36mm
Lug to Lug - 42mm
Lug width - 19mm
Buckle width - 14.7mm
Movement:
Vacheron Constantin - P1008/BS
Serial – 508681
Caseback Marked:
335633
4838
18K
.750
Vacheron & Constantin
Swiss
Chronometre Royal
Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men’s watches typically measure between 29-36mm wide (some larger, some smaller) excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women’s watches from the 1900s-1970s were also much smaller than today's offerings. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.
We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust lighting when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.
The condition is pre-owned.
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear but is fully operational and functions as intended.
Please review the photos and feel free to ask any questions you may have.
It will be carefully packed.
Please view our other listings.
Thank you for looking!
WA-3292
