I'm hoping someone here might have some info on this watch I have incoming. It was billed as a Ref. 4986' I have wanted a Vacheron for years and this one was "affordable", so I went for it. It was from a vendor I trust but I've not found any info or images for this particular version.
Thanks in advance.

 

Don't know these watches, but a causal observation that the printed track doesn't align with the applied figures and the lack of SWISS MADE says redial to me.

 

Yikes. Dial is not looking good.

 

Show us the " & " on the dial...

Listed (once) at LOT_ART??

 

if the listing was recent it is the one.
here is the best I can do until it arrives.

 

Do you have an idea about what movement caliber and grade is fitted? Were there photos? I would never purchase a V&C labeled watch without having seen the movement as well.

May I ask what it had cost (just about, less than 2k€, less than 1k€)?

Vintage V&C watches presently are "bargains", compared with PP. And not less exquisite. Even with a near mint original dial.

 

Likely an original dial, but much better photos are required for careful scrutiny.

 

Did you buy "under the influence" of these blurry photos

 

Here is the same one https://www.grayandsons.com/w526475-vacheron-constantin-patrimony-34mm-49.html

The dial looks just like in yours, only the alignment a little bit better. But no movement photo also. Probably a cal. 1002? The asking price would seem quite excessive to me. I would not pay more than 3 k€ in excellent condition.

 

Yes I did. As stated above I have done quite a bit of business with this auction house and trust their descriptions. It is supposedly signed on dial, case back and movement.

 

There is a lot of shadow in the photo supplied but on close examination the alignment looks pretty good. The proof will be in the in-person examination. The stated movement is indeed a 1002. as for price, it was just at $2500 US which to me was about right for a ticking off of a bucket list item.

 

I have always thought that VC's are better value for money over PP if looking for a timepiece rather than an investment/status symbol. I have the same general feelings regarding Omega vs Rolex.

 

2500 USD would be about the lower limit to pay for an authenitic watch with a 1002, 3000 USD would not be unfair either. If the 1002 additionally has the Geneva Seal and the watch is in generally very good condition, then somewhat more would also still be justified. These watches are not very "popular" presently, due to the small size, if compared with modern "statement" watches.

This year I also bought one with the 1002 movement. And let go 3900 € in view of the exceptional condition. Here are two photos, whererin one shows what you will expect to see inside your watch . Now, is that a beautiful movement?

Enjoy (your new watch, of course)!

 

Exceptional is an understatement! It looks unworn! You mentioned "the Geneva seal", is it on your movement pictured? If not do you have an example you could post so I know what to look for?

 

It's the mark above the visible wheel.

 

Thank you! I take it that not all VC movements of the period display that mark? why is the value add vs not being present?

 

It is/was mostly about marketing. Yes, there were criteria required to be able to use it, but some of them were pure marketing, such as the need for the parts to have been made in the Canton of Geneve, as opposed to other Swiss Cantons.

You can read about it through the link below, but there are equally outstanding movements without the seal.

https://thehourmarkers.com/featuring/the-geneva-seal-a-symbol-of-quality-or-origins/

 

Thank you for the info! I have a lot to learn now that I'm into a new brand...

 

Always look for two, one typically on the bridge for the minute wheel, a second one on the base plate. In the mark on the base plate is missing, then a marked bridge has been mounted to an unmarked movement. Here ist another example showing the mark on the base plate more clearly than in the 1002, above (there it also is adjacent the escape wheel cock).



Compare with this one:

 

Thanks again Bernhard! That was VERY helpful info!!!