Vacheron Constantin. A large 14K gold and enamel openface keyless lever dress watch, converted into a wristwatch
Lot 276

Vacheron Constantin. A large 14K gold and enamel openface keyless lever dress watch, converted into a wristwatch

SIGNED VACHERON & CONSTANTIN, GENÈVE, SUISSE, MOVEMENT NO. 392750, CASE NO. 211'929, MOVEMENT MANUFACTURED IN 1922

Closed16 May 2011

Price Realised

CHF 2,375

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Vacheron Constantin. A large 14K gold and enamel openface keyless lever dress watch, converted into a wristwatch
Signed Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, Suisse, movement no. 392750, case no. 211'929, movement manufactured in 1922
Nickel-finished lever movement, 18 jewels, bimetallic compensation balance, silvered dial, Roman numerals, blackened gilt Louis XV hands, outer railway minute divisions, American made gilt cuvette engraved Alfred G. Keeshan - A token of appreciation from his friends The National Association of Straw Hat manufacturers, Baltimore, June 14 1923, large circular American case, geometric blue enamel pattern to bezel and rim, later added angled lugs to transform the timepiece into a wristwatch, hinged back centred by the blue enamel initials AGK and surrounded by a blue enamel geometric pattern, case numbered and stamped with the casemaker's mark E.E.R, cuvette numbered, dial signed, movement signed and numbered
45 mm. diam.

Specialist note

According to the Archives of Vacheron Constantin, the movement of the present watch was manufactured in 1922 and delivered, without a case, to New York, where the present case was added.

Based on the presentation inscription, this watch formerly belonged to Alfred G. Keeshan, former executive in several hat companies and yachtsman who passed away in 1962 at the age of 72. He was an officer of the Larchmont Yacht Club from 1932 to 1935 and Vice President of Bonar-Phelps from New York, renowned for their straw hats. The notorious Al Capone wore a boater from Bonar-Phelps. The firm's motto for all their hats was "Best Under The Sun".