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Vacheron Constantin "Jumbo" Dress Watch 18K RG 'Cal. P454/5C', 1950s — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Vacheron Constantin "Jumbo" Dress Watch 18K RG 'Cal. P454/5C', 1950s

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Vacheron Constantin (maker)
Date
1950s
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Stock no.
VCRGP4545C
Credit line
Dealer listing, Craft & Tailored (VCRGP4545C)
Catalogue title (original)
1950s Vacheron Constantin "Jumbo" Dress Watch 18K RG 'Cal. P454/5C' (English)

View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction

Record summary

Catalogued by Craft & Tailored (dealer), Los Angeles (stock number VCRGP4545C), this is a wristwatch by Vacheron Constantin, made in Switzerland, dated 1950s. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Craft & Tailored

Few watch brands are as respected or revered within the watch world as the 3rd oldest watchmaker, Vacheron Constantin, whose doors opened in 1755. Known most notably for their quality of craftsmanship and design whether it is an ultra-complicated moon phase calendar or a simple dress model. There is a reason Vacheron Constantin belongs to the “Holy Trinity” of watchmaking, and it's the brand's precise execution that transcends generations and a devotion to innovation that has solidified its regaled position within horology. Stock # VCRGP4545C Brand Vacheron Constantin Style Dress Watch "Jumbo" Model N/A Serial 47XXXX Size Men's Material 18K Rose Gold Dial Champagne "Tapestry" Millimeters 38 Strap 2pc Alligator Leather Strap CASE & BRACELET The impressive and captivating jumbo-sized 18K rose gold case is exceptional with a commanding presence, showing minimal signs of being previously polished with gentle signs of use present. The unsigned rose gold crown is believed to be original to the watch. The case back exhibit minimal wear or tool marks. The watch comes supplied on a 2pc handmade alligator leather strap with a rose gold colored tang buckle. DIAL & HANDS The beautifully preserved champagne "tapestry" dial with applied rose gold numerals adds another layer of depth and warmth to the vintage aesthetic of the watch, and remains in near perfect vintage condition. The rose gold baton hands are in excellent condition with the blue second's hand adding an element of contrast to round out the overall design. ACCESSORIES None. The watch is keeping time, but the service history is unknown. A movement service can be provided upon request.

Historical context

Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)

Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.

The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking

Atlas type guide

Wristwatches

Bracelet watches were worn by women from the early nineteenth century — Breguet made one for Caroline Murat, Queen of Naples, in 1810–12 — but the wristwatch only became a man's instrument with military use and aviation in the early twentieth century. Between the World Wars it overtook the pocket watch; the 1920s and 1930s brought rectangular Art Deco cases, water-resistant cases and the first automatic winding systems.

After 1945 the wristwatch became a carrier of identity — dress watches, sports and dive watches, chronographs, calendars — produced by Swiss, American, Japanese, German, Soviet and Chinese industries. The quartz revolution after 1969 and the mechanical renaissance since the 1990s, including the rise of independent watchmakers, complete the story.

What to look for

  • The reference number (between the lugs or inside the case back) and serial number, the starting point for dating.
  • The calibre: its maker and number are often stamped under the dial or on the bridge.
  • Originality of dial, hands and crown — refinished ('redial') dials are common.
  • Case material marks: 18K/750, 14K/585, stainless steel, gold-filled, plated.

Dating clues

  • Wire-lug cases: before c. 1925.
  • Water-resistant screw-down cases: from 1926.
  • Quartz movements: from 1969; sapphire crystals widespread after c. 1980.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

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