C.1860s Vacheron et Constantin Ultra-Slim Convertible paired case Pocket watch in decorative 18KYG & Polychrome enamel paintings

Description

Antique. Private collection.

An exceptional, museum grade Vacheron et Constantin pocket watch with paired case where the watch is enclosed by another outer decorated case. Paired case was a popular production in the 18th century and some watches had more than two cases for protection and aesthetics reason. The oldest watch in our collection is a Graham (the original George Graham from England) dating to 1732 with a pair case and another English watch from 1771 with quad cases!

Our exquisite watch here features a pair of 18ct yellow gold cases showing two different paintings in poly chrome enamel, a labour intensive process where multi-coloured, vitreous enamels are painted and fired in stages, often over several days for the artwork to be completed. The serial numbers date this watch to 1860s. It is in remarkable condition with no loss in enamelling and the foliage engravings throughout both cases are clearly visible which shows that this watch has been cherished for the past one hundred and sixty years. The case is elaborately signed and numbered while there are initials on the inside of the secondary case probably attributing to an owner from the past.

This watch requires a key for adjusting time and winding the mainspring. The movement measures about 3.5mm which is extremely thin for a mid-18th century workmanship.

The white enamel dial has a small chip on the edge near XII but is obscured by the bezel ring of the main case and the name is signed on the bottom. A pair of very fine Breguet style moon hands in gold tells time.

Vacheron & Constantin is the oldest watch manufacturer in continuing production for the last four centuries starting in 1755.

“et” means “and/&” in French.

1860 was the year Abraham Lincoln was elected as the 16th president of United States and the end of Second Opium War in China which saw the decline of Qing dynasty. This was also the year when the Old Summer palace in Beijing was set on fire and looted. In Europe, Italy was unifying to form the Kingdom of Italy. This watch was born in that year and is now with us in Singapore.