Important Watches I
Important Watches I
Vacheron Constantin
King Kalla | A magnificent white gold and diamond-set bracelet watch, Circa 1990 | 江詩丹頓 | KING KALLA | 白金鑲鑽石鏈帶腕錶，約1990年製
Premium Lot
Auction Closed
October 7, 06:41 AM GMT
Estimate
4,000,000 - 8,000,000 HKD
Lot Details
Description
Vacheron Constantin
King Kalla
A magnificent white gold and diamond-set bracelet watch, Circa 1990
江詩丹頓
KING KALLA
白金鑲鑽石鏈帶腕錶，約1990年製
Dial: step-cut diamonds
Calibre: cal. 1052 mechanical, 22 jewels
Case: 18k white gold, case back secured by 2 screws
Case number: 572'036
Closure: 18k white gold and diamond-set Vacheron Constantin bracelet and clasp
Size: 30 mm length x 27.5 mm width, bracelet circumference approximately 175 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Accessories: none
In 1979, Vacheron Constantin introduced the Kallista as the world's most expensive watch at that time, retailing for an astounding $5 million USD. The name Kallista derives from the Greek word meaning "most beautiful," which aptly describes the piece. In 1981, a new generation of watches inspired by the Kallista, called “Kalla” became available. Many Kalla watches bear noble titles like the King, Lord, Lady, Count and Countess or names that relate to their new design forms such as Pagoda, Vague (Wave in French), Flame to name a few.
Taking precedence over all these iterations with the most magnificence and largest size was the King Kalla, of which the present lot is a beautiful example. It is believed that all examples of the King Kalla were produced with over 100 carats of top quality diamonds. Very few pieces were made, around 10 to be precise, given the difficulty in sourcing top quality stones this size.
A rare piece combining haute horlogerie and joaillerie, the present watch is a celebration of timeless elegance and sophistication. Indeed as it names suggests, a watch fit for a king.