
Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Vacheron Constantin "Pink On Pink" Sector Dial
- Maker / attribution
- Vacheron Constantin (maker)
- Date
- c. 1940s
- Historical period
- Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking (1900 – 1945)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Dimensions
- Case 32 mm
- Stock no.
- Product 9979246870804
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Collectors Corner NY (product 9979246870804)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Vacheron Constantin "Pink On Pink" Sector Dial (English)
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Record summary
Catalogued by Collectors Corner NY (dealer), New York (stock number Product 9979246870804), this is a wristwatch by Vacheron Constantin, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1940s. The Atlas places it in the Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking period (1900 – 1945) of its Wristwatches collection. Recorded dimensions: Case 32 mm. 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 — Collectors Corner NY
One of the oldest watchmaking companies, Vacheron was founded in 1755 in Geneva, Switzerland. As part of the "Holy Trinity," along with Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, VC is known for their high-quality and unique design language. Even today, however, the brand remains relatively under-appreciated considering their significant contribution to horology. This Calatrava style dress watch on offer is circa 1940s and cased in 18k rose gold. It houses a rare rose dial with two-tone sector finish, making it what collectors would refer to as "pink on pink." At 32mm the case has slightly more wrist presence than a Patek Philippe ref. 96 but comes at a fraction of the cost, arguably not sacrificing on quality. Notably, the casemaker for this piece C.R. Spillmann also helped create the Rolex Oyster case. This example has remained in fantastic vintage condition with an untouched dial and case that has been lightly polished but retains strong hallmarks on the backs of its lugs. For anyone looking for the charm of a "true vintage" dress watch among vintage Vacheron Constantin watches , we're thrilled to offer this special find.
Historical context
Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking (1900 – 1945)
The wristwatch displaces the pocket watch; waterproof cases, self-winding and grand complications.
The wristwatch overtook the pocket watch. Military use in the First World War, aviation, water-resistant cases (1926), automatic winding (1923–31), rectangular Art Deco designs and early chronographs and calendars defined the period.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Industrial Revolution
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.
Related records
Pocket Watches · c. 1896
Vacheron Constantin “grand TIR de L’exposition Nationale, Genève 1896, c. 1896
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Pocket Watches · c. 1940
Vacheron Constantin pocket watch, ref. 345, c. 1940
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Pocket Watches · c. 1945
Vacheron Constantin pocket chronometer, c. 1945
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Pocket Watches · c. 1945
Vacheron Constantin watch, c. 1945
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Wristwatches · 1931
Rolex 'Oyster Perpetual' rotor self-winding wrist-watch, lever escapement, in steel case with glass in back, Montres Rolex SA, Geneva, Switzerland, 1931
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Wristwatches · 1900–1999
Wristwatch by Certina, Switzerland, 1900–1999
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Wristwatch by Omega, Västerås, 1900–1999
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