Vacheron Constantin Unique "Les Cabinotiers" reference 30015/000R-9608 A unique 18k pink gold manually wound minute repeating tourbillon with hidden perpetual calendar with moonphases beneath an officer case-back, circa 2011
Vacheron Constantin
Unique "Les Cabinotiers" reference 30015/000R-9608
A unique 18k pink gold manually wound minute repeating tourbillon with hidden perpetual calendar with moonphases beneath an officer case-back, circa 2011
Dial: Blue
Calibre: cal. 1756 manual, 34 jewels
Case: 18k pink gold, back secured by screws
Case number: 1'182'489 5'199'035
Closure: 18k pink gold folding clasp
Size: 44mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: yes
Papers: yes
Accessories: Vacheron Constantin presentation box, magnifying glass, date setting tool, certificate of authenticity Vacheron Constantin Vacheron Constantin Unique "Les Cabinotiers" reference 30015/000R-9608 A unique 18k pink gold manually wound minute repeating tourbillon with hidden perpetual calendar with moonphases beneath an officer case-back, circa 2011
Unique "Les Cabinotiers" reference 30015/000R-9608 A unique 18k pink gold manually wound minute repeating tourbillon with hidden perpetual calendar with moonphases beneath an officer case-back, circa 2011
Restricted Species
Estimate:
200,000 - 300,000 GBP Lot sold:
252,000
GBP Vacheron Constantin
Unique "Les Cabinotiers" reference 30015/000R-9608
A unique 18k pink gold manually wound minute repeating tourbillon with hidden perpetual calendar with moonphases beneath an officer case-back, circa 2011
Dial: Blue
Calibre: cal. 1756 manual, 34 jewels
Case: 18k pink gold, back secured by screws
Case number: 1'182'489 5'199'035
Closure: 18k pink gold folding clasp
Size: 44mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: yes
Papers: yes
Accessories: Vacheron Constantin presentation box, magnifying glass, date setting tool, certificate of authenticity Condition report
Please note: ***paperwork indicates the watch repeats hours, quarters and minutes, however the piece currently repeats hours and quarters.
Case: Case is in overall very good condition with some minor wear and surface scratching throughout, case has strong proportions and likely unpolished with sharp edges and bevels. Case consistent with previous use, case bands with visible surface scratches to the naked eye. Deployant clasp with equivalent wear.
Dial: Overall excellent condition
Movement: perpetual calendar, repeater chiming*, moonphase and tourbillon operating.
The movement is running at time of cataloging, 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.
***Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to international shipping.***
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The online condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance purposes only. The images of the lot also form part of the online condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Any reference to condition in the online condition report does not amount to a full description of condition. The online condition report may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the online condition report of the lot or shown in the online images of the lot (for example, the online condition report 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. The online condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation but rather the online condition report is a statement of subjective, qualified opinion (for example, information regarding colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact). Please also note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and wrist bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. In addition, certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot (for example, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades). For these reasons, the online condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot. Prospective buyers should also refer to the Buying at Auction guide which includes important notices concerning the type of property in this sale. 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. Please be advised that wristbands 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. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS ONLINE CONDITION REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE/BUSINESS APPLICABLE TO THE RESPECTIVE SALE. "ENDANGERED SPECIES This lot contains endangered species. Sotheby's recommends that buyers check with their own government regarding any importation requirements prior to placing a bid. For example, US regulations restrict or prohibit the import of certain items to protect wildlife conservation. Please note that Sotheby's will not assist buyers with the shipment of this lot to the US. A buyer's inability to export or import these lots cannot justify a delay in payment or sale cancellation." Les Cabinotiers collection is regarded as the pinnacle of modern complicated horology.
It is best described by the Manufacture's own words:
'Loyal to the spirit of its founder, Vacheron Constantin continues the tradition of offering its best clients the chance to create made-to-measure watches. Today, this service is offered through a dedicated department, bringing together all of the skills needed to make these exceptional pieces: Les Cabinotiers. Made up of expert professionals, this team possesses immense technical and manual expertise, a wealth of scientific knowledge and a profound curiosity for new ideas to be able to create highly-complicated watches on demand.'
The name 'Cabinotier' dates back from the 18th century when it was used to described highly reputable and skilled watchmakers and artisans using a little workshop located on the top floors to benefit from a maximum of light through numerous small windows. These workshops were mainly located in Saint-Gervais in Geneva.
The present lot is a perfect and most attractive example of the finest creations of the Cabinotiers department.
At the first glance, the blue dial highlighted by the pink gold indexes matching the two dauphine hands appears quite understated. After closer inspection, one can admire some intricate details such as the engine turned work realized in the inner part of the minute track. While the gold indexes stand in their usual position, the minute track and the hands are slightly off-centered to create some space to the tourbillon cage revealed at 8 o'clock. This unusual layout combined with the decorating work create a dynamism counter-balancing the minimalist design. The effect is further enhanced by the rotation of the tourbillon.
The watch features a hidden second dial that is revealed through a re-invented officer case system. Indeed, instead of a caseback and a cuvette opening with a hinge attached to the side of the case, the construction of this case is radically different with an opening system hidden inside the lugs that is activated by pressing the discreet button between the lugs at 6 o'clock. This hidden dial features the perpetual calendar and the moon-phases in four subsidiary dials. This second dial is also in the same blue hue and has similar decorative tropes as the main.
In addition to the tourbillon and the perpetual calendar, this watch also has a minute repeating complication. It is activated by the slide on the left hand side of the case. The sound is loud and clear, in the pure tradition of the best Geneva creations.
This unique Vacheron Constantin Cabinotier is not only a Grand Complication piece, it is the expression of the finest craft, tradition and innovation that the horological world can offer. Preserved in attractive condition and accompanied by its original accessories, it represents a superb opportunity for a connoisseur to acquire a true treasure.
