SPECIFICATIONS
Magnificent and extremely rare Vacheron Constantin “five Maltese crosses” two-tone dial reference 4870, in solid 18K rose gold with P499 automatic movement and complete with original box from 50s.
Solid 18K rose gold case measuring 36mm
Original logoed crown
Original black leather strap signed Vacheron Constantin
Original box
P499 automatic movement inside
ANALYSIS
A stunning example of elegance, this watch has its point of excellence in the two-tone dial. It is designed with an ivory-colored peripheral band on which there are applied rose gold indexes in the shape of an arrow except for the quarters, where four wonderful Maltese crosses also in rose gold stand out, which are the distinctive logo of the great Swiss Maison. The center of the dial has a milky white background shade and on its surface there is the internal pad-printed minute track in black. In the center of the dial at 12 o’clock there is another gold cross-logo (the fifth), under which there is the Vacheron Constantine Genève signature; further down at 6 o’clock the automatic signature.
The hands are in pink gold in the shape of a pencil and are very clean and free from any oxidation. They are undersized to adapt to the layout that includes the centralized minute track. The whole has a truly amazing formal coherence. The symmetry of the entire dial is marked by the interval between the five crosses, which seem to chase each other along the edge.
An absolutely unique layout; a very rare dial and in amazing conditions of conservation.
The solid 18K rose gold case is untouched and has retained the incredible original warm tone. This is the other point of granite rarity of this watch. This wonderful case was made by CR Spillmann & Co SA (hammerhead no. 136), an artist casemaker active from 1935 to 1988 in La Chaux-de-Fonds. This splendid work has a diameter of 36 mm in circular development with sinuous and curved lugs. The profile is tapered and soft with a light bevel that softens the lateral lines. On the right caseband stands out the wonderful original crown with the Vacheron Constantin cross still.
The caseback is screwed and covers the beautiful automatic P499 caliber, finely worked with circular Cote de Geneve treatment on the bi-directional winding rotor. The base plate has a dense perlage finish. The wonderful “swan neck” shaped micrometric adjustment completes the picture of an extremely beautiful and performing movement.
This amazing watch, original in all its parts and complete with black leather strap and original box, represents one of the highest peaks of Vacheron Constantin watchmaking production of the mid 50s. Its extreme rarity and its exceptional state of preservation make it a unique piece.
