Vacheron & Constantin

• cal. 12''' manual winding nickel lever movement, 29 jewels, repeating on two hammer gongs • gilt dial, applied pink gold dot indexes and Arabic numerals, outer minute track, subsidiary dial for constant seconds, pink gold épée hands • stepped bezel, teardrop lugs, polished case, snap-on case back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k pink gold Vacheron & Constantin buckle

Movement running at the time of cataloguing however it may require a service in the near future to be well preserved. Hammer of minute needs to be adjusted. Dial with a few spots to the centre but in good condition due to tis age. Case in good condition with visible hallmarks to the lug. Overall a very rare and well preserved minute-repeater wristwatch.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

Minute repeating wristwatches are considered among the most desirable collector’s item for vintage collectors. Since the early 1940’s, Vacheron Constantin were among the pioneers to first develop minute repeating mechanism inside the small size of a wristwatch. The Geneva watch manufacturer concentrated all its efforts on one famous reference 4261 for all models produced between the 1940’s and early 1950’s. The reference 4261 was either fitted with the calibre 13’’’ or 12’’’ just like the present one easily recognizable with its subsidiary seconds. According to Vacheron Constantin archives this watch is the very first example of reference 4261 which was produced, and is distanguised by its thicker case. Among the very few examples first produced in the early 1940’s bearing the smaller calibre 12’’’ one can presume that this one made in pink gold is most probably unique both from its technical and aesthetic characteristics. According to scholars, the sound transmitted through the pink gold resonates more clearly and loudly compared to other metals due to the molecular structure of the metal.