Exclusive Timepieces 20 –⁠ 21 April 2024 | Monaco

Auction Details

Auction sessions:

  • Session I – Saturday, 20 April, 2:30 PM – Lots 1 to 101
  • Session II – Sunday, 21 April, 10:30 AM – Lots 102 to 178
  • Session III – Sunday, 21 April, 2:30 PM – Lots 179 to 278

231 Vacheron Constantin Extremely Well Preserved and Very Rare, Cornucopia, Wristwatch in Pink Gold, With Oversized Flared Lugs and Guillochè Dial, Reference 4695

Estimate: € 25,000 –⁠ 50,000

Sold € 44,200

Model: Cornucopia
Reference: 4695
Case Material: Pink Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1950's
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 458/3B
Case N°: 332252
Movement N°: 502184
Dimensions: 40 x 24 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement

In the horological landscape of the 1950s, a transformative wave of innovation swept across the watch world, leaving an indelible mark on case design. This period heralded the advent of groundbreaking designs, introducing bold and dynamic cases that reflected the spirit of post-war optimism and technological progress. From the iconic sporty contours of dive watches to the sleek elegance of dress watches, this era marked a paradigm shift in the artistry of watchmaking. Vacheron Constantin’s Cornucopia, as collectors affectionately refer to it, is a wonderful example of this newfound exuberance. Innovative and audacious, the case is amplified thanks to the prominent, flared lugs, with a truly original and ground breaking design. The robust and surprisingly light case blends harmoniously with the solid and imposing lugs, creating a magnificent oxymoron. This unique combination of strength and lightness not only gives the watch an imposing presence, but also enhances its aesthetics. Preserved in exceptional overall condition, with an original, crisp silver guilloché dial, the gold case of the present watch still shows a deep and clear hallmark, a guarantee of preservation. Much appreciated among true vintage collectors, the model completely revolutionized the watch design of its time, going against certain tenets that had previously been considered golden rules. The present timepiece undeniably stands out as a pivotal creation from the mid-50s era, showcasing the perfect marriage of a square form with striking lugs and represents the most beautiful specimens in pink gold that has ever appeared. The mesmerizing guilloché dial and its remarkable preservation collectively elevate it among the very best ever seen of this kind, embodying a timeless allure that is truly unparalleled.