Vacheron Constantin

• nickel lever movement, 17 jewels, mono-metallic balance, 18k yellow gold hinged cuvette • gilt dial, applied gold Arabic numerals, subsidiary seconds • pearl-set bezels, the hinged case back with a polychrome enamel painting Le Temps et les Parques with three female figures spinning, measuring and cutting a yarn, partially robed in rose, azure and aubergine, representing the Fates, overseen by Chronos, the painting signed by J. Vauthey • case, cuvette, dial and movement signed

In overall excellent condition, highly recommended. The movement is running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time and may need service at the buyer's discretion. The enamel is fully intact and extremely well-preserved, with no visible losses or marks of restoration whatsoever. The case shows no evidence of having been polished, with excellent definition throughout and strong, easily legible hallmarks. There is some patina to the gold bezel between 12 and 2 o'clock on the dial side. The dial is in very good order overall with no discoloration or visible imperfections, and a nicely raised hard enamel signature.
"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."

Accompanied by a Vacheron Constantin Certificate of Authenticity confirming manufacture with enamel scene by J. Vauthey reproducing the painting 'Le Temps et les Parques' by Pieter Thys in 1930. 

Mlle. Jeanne Vauthey is recorded in the Dictionnaire des Horlogers Genevois by O. Patrizzi as being a painter of enamels, with a career lasting for over 25 years. Her mastery of the medium is evident in the exquisitely rendered 'Le Temps et les Parques' in the present lot. The enamel is done after the painting by the Flemish artist Pieter Thys (1644-1677). This work is presently part of the collection of the Musées d'Art et d'Histoire de Genève.

The present lot is among a celebrated few Vacheron Constantin watches from the early twentieth century featuring a painted enamel scene. Unlike scenes depicting landscapes or still-lifes, the rendering of figures in motion, such as the present lot's four characters, was a particular challenge to the artist. Collectors today prize such pieces for the miniature paintings, which adds a masterpiece of artistic achievement to the technical wonder of the watch movement. 

The scene depicted in the present example, Le Temps et les Parques, is of the Three Fates, who spin, measure and cut a length of yarn in an allegory for destiny. This subject is repeated throughout Greek and Roman mythologies. A study of enamel watches by Vacheron Constantin that have appeared at auction suggests that the present lot is among very few to include this quantity of figures, and is the only one offered to feature a pearl-set bezel.

Today, Vacheron Constantin continues the time-honored tradition of enamel work in its contemporary Métiers d'Art collection.

The present lot has remained with the same family for three generations and has never before appeared at auction. 

A nearly identical piece is illustrated in Lambelet, C. & Coen, L., The World of Vacheron Constantin, Genève, p. 292. Another case number, 228438, is hand-written above the case number for the present lot, 256197, on the illustration, indicating that the painting was commissioned for exactly two pieces.