
Pocket Watches · Pocket watch
Vacheron & Constantin rock crystal and turquoise pocket watch
- Maker / attribution
- Vacheron Constantin (maker)
- Date
- c. 1920s–1930s
- Historical period
- Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking (1900 – 1945)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Pocket watch
- Dimensions
- Diameter 43 mm
- Dealer
- WatchMuseum.org shop
- Stock no.
- Product 3299
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, WatchMuseum.org shop (product 3299)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Vacheron & Constantin Rock Crystal Turquoise Pocket Watch (English)
Editor's note
The listing dates the watch to the 1920s and 1930s.View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by WatchMuseum.org shop (stock number Product 3299), this is a pocket watch by Vacheron Constantin, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1920s–1930s. The Atlas places it in the Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking period (1900 – 1945) of its Pocket Watches collection. Recorded dimensions: Diameter 43 mm. The record is illustrated with 5 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 — WatchMuseum.org shop
Step into the opulent world of early 20th-century horology with the Vacheron & Constantin Rock Crystal Turquoise Pocket Watch, an extraordinary timepiece that epitomizes luxury and craftsmanship from the 1920s and 1930s. This rare, square-shaped pocket watch is a testament to the meticulous artistry of its era, crafted from gold and rock crystal and adorned with a mesmerizing turquoise surround that exudes timeless elegance. The silver dial, accentuated by Arabic numerals, small seconds at the 6 o’clock position, and breguet-style moon hands, is a harmonious blend of functionality and beauty. The winding crown, set with a cabochon turquoise, and the accompanying matching chain further elevate its sophistication. Powered by a manual wind movement, this watch is preserved in excellent condition, safeguarded by a plastic glass and accompanied by its original presentation case, making it a highly collectible piece. Originating from Switzerland and created by the esteemed Vacheron Constantin, this watch, with its white gold case and 43 mm width, is not just a timekeeping device but a piece of history that will undoubtedly enhance any collection. Presenting a rare and exquisite square-shaped pocket watch from the 1920s/30s. This watch is crafted from gold and rock crystal, with a stunning turquoise surround that adds to its charm. The silver dial features Arabic numerals, small seconds at the 6 o’clock position, and breguet-style moon hands. The winding crown is set with a cabochon turquoise, and the watch also comes with a matching chain. This manual wind movement pocket watch is in excellent condition, with a plastic glass protecting the dial. It even comes with its original presentation case, adding to its collectability and allure. A truly exquisite piece of timekeeping that will elevate any collection. Creator: Vacheron Constantin Case Material: White Gold Movement: Manual Wind Case Dimensions: Width: 43 mm (1.7 in) Place of Origin: Switzerland Period: 1920-1929 Date of Manufacture: Circa 1920s/1930s Condition: Excellent
Historical context
Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking (1900 – 1945)
The wristwatch displaces the pocket watch; waterproof cases, self-winding and grand complications.
The pocket watch reached technical maturity and then began to give way to the wristwatch after the First World War. Complicated watches for collectors such as Henry Graves Jr. and James Ward Packard, railroad watches, and slim Art Deco dress watches are characteristic.
Read the period in the timelineMore pocket watches from this periodEarlier: Industrial Revolution
Atlas type guide
Pocket watches
The pocket watch was the dominant personal timekeeper from the late seventeenth century until the First World War. Its development tracks the history of the escapement: verge watches with fusees until the late eighteenth century; Thomas Mudge's lever escapement (c. 1755) and the cylinder escapement popularised by George Graham and later by Swiss makers; and the Swiss and English lever watches of the nineteenth century. Lépine's bar-bridge calibre and keyless winding made watches thinner and easier to use.
Industrialisation transformed the trade: American factories such as Waltham (from 1850) and Elgin produced interchangeable parts by machine, and Swiss makers responded with their own mechanisation after the 1876 Philadelphia Exhibition. By 1900 a reliable watch was affordable to millions; the finest makers continued to produce complications and precision watches.
What to look for
- The escapement: verge (crown wheel), cylinder, duplex, English or Swiss lever.
- Key winding (a square arbor in dial or back) or keyless crown winding.
- Signatures and serial numbers on the movement, dial and inside case back.
- Hallmarks, case maker's marks and gold or silver standards stamped in the case.
- Dial material: enamel, silver, gold, later printed metal.
Dating clues
- Verge watches dominate before c. 1800; cylinder watches c. 1770–1900; lever watches after c. 1820.
- Keyless winding: increasingly common after c. 1860.
- Manufacturer serial number lists exist for Waltham, Elgin, Longines, Omega, Patek Philippe and others.
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.
Read next:Verge escapementDetached lever escapementFuseeIdentification Centre
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