| LOT 211 |
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| Corps of Engineers U.S.A.
Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, No. 381391, case No.
235138. Made for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers circa 1918.
Fine and interesting, keyless, silver pocket watch with chronograph.
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| C. Four-body, demi-bassine, solid, polished, hinged silver cuvette.
D. White enamel with luminous bold Arabic numerals, outer
chronograph divisions, sunk subsidiary seconds dial. Luminous
blued steel skeleton hands. M. Cal. 19''', frosted gilt, 20 jewels,
straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation
balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring, swan-neck micrometer
regulator, visible chronograph works, chronograph button on the
winding crown.
Dial, case and movement signed.
Diam. 52 mm. |
Estimate: 2,500 USD - 3,500 USD
Estimate: 1,600 EUR - 2,300 EUR
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Grading system
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| U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (lots 208 & 211)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers history can be traced back to June 16, 1775, when the Continental Congress organized an Army with a
Chief Engineer and two assistants. Colonel Richard Gridley was to become General George Washington's first Chief Engineer. It was not
until 1779 that Congress created a Separate Corps of Engineers. The Corps of Engineers has been instrumental in all U.S. military actions since
this time; from the American Revolution where, with the assistance of several French officers, they were a key component in battles such as
Saratoga and the final victory at Yorktown, up to today's actions in Iraq. The Corps of Engineers has also from the beginning been charged
by the U.S. Congress with construction and works “of a civil nature”.
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries the Corps of Engineers has overseen construction of coastal fortifications, lighthouses, dams and
other heavy engineering projects, as well as developing jetties and piers for harbors. The Corps was also responsible for the vast majority of
the American West’s mapping in the 19th century, as well as mapping of U.S. navigational channels. Due to the Corps’ requirement for a robust
and accurate chronograph to be used during various activities, the head of the U.S. Expeditionary Force in Bern requested that Vacheron
Constantin produce a prototype for field use. The watch was to have a silver case, a white dial with luminous Arabic numerals and hands, and
a simple chronograph movement without counter. Vacheron Constantin produced two prototypes that were delivered on May 8, 1918; an
order for 5,000 pieces was placed that same day. The original order was to be delivered in lots of 100 watches per month, 150-200 whenever
possible. From July 1918 through late 1919, a total of 3,289 watches were delivered, and the contract was deemed to have been met.
Vacheron Constantin archives indicate that the firm also made wristwatches with silver cases and gold buckles for the Corps of Engineers. |
Important Collectors Watches, Pocket Watches & Clocks
18-06-2008 |
Sold including buyer's premium:
3,000 USD |
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