Vacheron Constantin pocket watch market

[Ianmat]

I have a Vacheron 14k watch circa 1900 . It has had a bit of damage: rust on movement possibly, porcelain broken , a seconds hand missing. I've been told it would sell better as a restoration project, rather than at auction.
Thoughts on this ? Interest ?

 

[jboger]

Ianmat:

Your questions suggest to me that your primary interest in this watch is your return.

If that's the case, I believe the value is completely in the case, that is, in its gold content. I would estimate the weight of the case, sans movement and case spring. From there, and the current market value of gold, you should derive a value that you can shoot for. You might find a collector/restorer willing to pay over spot, but that might be a long search.

Your best offer might come from someone willing to pay spot. There are people in business who buy gold (jewelry, coins, etc.) and sterling (silverware, candle sticks, etc.), but know that if you sell to them, the movement will be scrapped and the case melted. if you go that route, you're better off selling the movement for whatever you can get, then scrap the case. Personally, I can't recommend that option because I hate to see items scrapped for their metal content.

That's my opinion, but let's see how others respond.


John

 

[Dr. Jon]

The case may not be solid gold, although Vacheron watches were usually in such cases.

The movement is a very good one, probably worth about $100 by itself in its current condition.

This watch might be worth restoring. Its a very fine one, with an unusually high jewel count. I would be tempted to chuck the dial and replace it as well as a set of new hands.

 

[MrRoundel]

If the case is credibly marked with a solid karat gold content, and carries the same retailer's name and/or Vacheron & Constantin name, it's probably worth keeping together and restoring. From what can be seen, the difficult things are finding a well-fitting dial that carries the V&C name, rather than the name of another retailer, and replacing the broken regulator arm. I believe that is a patent regulator that I don't believe is on a large number of movements. But, as Dr. Jon said, it is a higher grade, so that regulator is as it should be, with the broken arm excepted.

From the images, I can't tell if the case is original to the movement. In fact, odds are that it is not original. I base this on the fact that the case screws show as one missing and one sitting below the lip where it looks like it should hold the case. Sadly this watch seems a bit "disrespected" by someone over the years, as the broken regulator arm, and butchered dial (And missing dial foot at same position as dial damage.) attest to.

An image of the case markings would go a long way in sewing up this thread, so to speak. Good luck. Cheers.

 

[mosesgodfrey]

Like MrRoundel, I suspect the costs will be high to replace all the broken parts. Aging looks more like a 20yr gf case (which sometimes were also marked with the type of gold used), and this damage couldn’t have happened if it had remained cased.

Either way (karat or gf), unless you intend to keep it, I think selling complete as-is (ie as a restoration project, with clear pics of case markings) would generate best return vs restoring yourself. The case itself is rather distressed.

Like Rodin’s “Belle heaulmière,” she was once beautiful.

 

[John Cote]

The case appears to have a viewing bezel in the back so it probably is gold and original to the watch. If it is 14k it is probably an American case which would be typical for the date of the movement.

 

[Dr. Jon]

Most Vacheron and Constantin watches that came to the US were made to fit US cases, which means they also had dials that fit the cases. The dial on this watch is not marked for Vacheron, so, any and private label dial that fits would probbaly be a suitable replacement. I had missed the broken regulator arm which has a more difficult repair and possibe a deal breaker for restoration to original condition, but this could be restored to be a very nice watch for wear.

 

[Ianmat]

Here are a few more photos . No makers mark on case, only serial # & 14k stamp.

 

[Ethan Lipsig]

I have a 14k A.W.C.0.-cased private-label V&C with essentially the same movement as your watch, Lanmat. This photo of its movement will show you the regulator arm your watch should have.



Perhaps more interesting is this old ad, which shows the movement in my and Lanmat's watches at the top-right corner. I don't recall where I found this ad or who inserted the annotations.

 

[MrRoundel]

That's certainly a handy post, Ethan Lipsig . Your watch shows that the case screw near the barrel probably does ride up from the pillar plate to the case lip. Seems unusual, but perhaps with the American made cases that's the way it had to be. It's certainly not the first time I've seen it. The other thing it shows is that it is possible that the dial foot I thought was missing, isn't, that it just may be a threaded foot, and only the screw is missing.

The case does carry what looks like a legitimate "14K" mark. That's a big plus. So it looks like the big issues with the watch restoration are the dial and the broken off regulator arm. All else looks OK, albeit a bit dirty. It looks like the top pivot of the balance staff may be visible through the jewel. A good staff would also be a very good thing that would restoration more cost-effective. I don't think you mentioned if it ran or not the way it sits.

Good luck with your project, whether it be a business one or hobbyist's challenge.

 

[Ianmat]

I have a 14k A.W.C.0.-cased private-label V&C with essentially the same movement as your watch, Lanmat. This photo of its movement will show you the regulator arm your watch should have.

View attachment 765566

Perhaps more interesting is this old ad, which shows the movement in my and Lanmat's watches at the top-right corner. I don't recall where I found this ad or who inserted the annotations.

View attachment 765565

Thanks so much Ethan. That's great research. Have you had yours for a while ?

 

[Ianmat]

Like MrRoundel, I suspect the costs will be high to replace all the broken parts. Aging looks more like a 20yr gf case (which sometimes were also marked with the type of gold used), and this damage couldn’t have happened if it had remained cased.

Either way (karat or gf), unless you intend to keep it, I think selling complete as-is (ie as a restoration project, with clear pics of case markings) would generate best return vs restoring yourself. The case itself is rather distressed.

Like Rodin’s “Belle heaulmière,” she was once beautiful.

We inherited a collection of watches & unfortunately this was the most abused one.

 

[Ethan Lipsig]

Lantmat, you asked if I've had the V&C I showed in post #9 "for a while." Yes, I've owned it since November 2006.