Vacheron Constantin

• cal. R.A. 17" Bas I German silver movement, 19 jewels, cut bi metallic compensation balance, Breguet hairspring, regulator with micrometric regulator, recessed escape wheel • two toned red and white enamel dial, red radiating center decoration, textured red chapter ring with white Breguet numerals, blued steel Breguet hands, opaque subsidiary dial with radiating center decoration for constant seconds, outer minute track • 18k yellow gold case, finely decorated red and white enamel bezel, 18k yellow gold hinged cuvette, hinged case back with red guilloché center, outer red border with laurel and ribbon motif • case, dial, cuvette, and movement signed

Jim Brady Collection, New York

Vacheron Constantin, The American Heritage of Vacheron Constantin, New York, 2011

The movement is running at time of cataloguing, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. Case in overall fair condition. Oxidation to the yellow gold areas. Wear, scratches and markings to the case band especially between 12-2 and 11. Scuffing to the enamel bezel overall. White enamel ring with some dot inconsistencies especially between 7 -11. Case back enamel with heavy wear, scuffing and scratches. Approximately 7 mm area of loss to the enamel closest to the hinge. Some inconsistencies and markings to the outermost white enameled ring. Bow and stem with heavy and significant red enamel loss. Please note that the photo provided in Vacheron Constantin's certificate of authenticity also appears to indicate the above mentioned losses to the case enamel. Dial in beautiful vintage condition. A very small area of loss to the enamel to the left of 11. This appears as a very dark spot. Some areas of uneven texture which is likely attributed to the enameling technique and style. Hands in overall very good condition with a small area of oxidation to the tip of the minute hand, and some light signs of wear to the body of the hour hand. Some more oxidation to the seconds hand. Cuvette in excellent condition with light surface markings. Movement in overall very good condition with some very light signs of oxidation to the plate.
"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."

Accompanied by a Vacheron Constantin Certificate of Authenticity, a provenance letter, a descriptive plaque, and a bi-fold.

The present lot was previously in the collection of Jim Buchanan Brady, the noted Gilded Age American businessman and philanthropist.  His legendary interest in collecting jewels and precious stones earned him the moniker 'Diamond' Jim Brady.