VACHERON CONSTANTIN | PRESENTED TO THE PRIME MINISTER OF GREAT BRITAIN SIR ANTHONY EDEN, REFERENCE 6032 YELLOW GOLD WRISTWATCH MADE IN 1954

Dial: off-white Calibre: cal. 453 manual winding, 17 jewels Movement number: 513'261Case: 18ct yellow gold, snap-on back with personalised engravingCase number: 343'117Closure: black unsigned alligator strap with unsigned yellow metal pin buckle Dimensions: 34mm diameter Signed: case, dial and movement Accessories: Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming year of manufacture in 1954

DIAL: in overall good condition with visible signs of wear and ageing consistent with age and wear of the timepiece, some minor specks, two minor scuffs around 6 o'clock towards the center of the dial, hands in good condition CASE: in good condition with scuffs and marks throughout consistent with wear and age of the timepiece some minor signs of oxidization around the bezel and sides of the case MOVEMENT: running at time of cataloguing Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"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."

Robert Anthony Eden, 1st earl of Avon, Viscount Eden of Royal Leamington Spa, ( June 12, 1897- January 14, 1977) was British foreign secretary intermittently between 1935 and 1955, becoming Prime Minister in 1955 until 1957. He had been a popular politician, renowned for his firm stance against Fascism throughout the 1930’s. His leading role at the Geneva summit of 1955 was a major contribution in the global effort to end the Cold War. However, despite the important political progress he made at the 1955 summit, his short tenure as Prime minister came to an abrupt end due to an ill-judged invasion into Egypt over control of the Suez Canal. This always seemed to overshadow other notable achievements over 30 years in the public eye. The summit that took place on July 18th 1955 was a crucial meeting between the ’Big Four’ Heads of Government (The United Kingdom, the United States, France and the USSR) to openly discuss European security, German unification, nuclear disarmament, and East-West relations and the mounting tensions between them. Although no firm agreements were reached, it was widely recognised that this was an important first step in easing the political deadlock between the World leaders.

Similar to the famous Victory watches, a group of Swiss dignitaries gifted the group the finest of Swiss horological production. Eight Reference 6032 Vacheron Constantin wristwatches were presented to them in tribute to the leaders' continued efforts to find peace. Each watch was personally engraved with the name of the politicians, the date of the conference and originally accompanied by a letter signed by the generous patrons expressing their gratitude.

The inscription on the watch reads, ‘ Hommage de Citoyans de Geneve, A son Excellence Sir Anthony Eden 1^re Ministre de Mojeste Britannique, Conference de Geneve July 1955’

We are extremely grateful to Vacheron Constantin for opening their archives and sharing this incredible and fascinating piece of history.