Vacheron & Constantin 4066 - Tropical Gilt Dial

     Black dials are something of lure in the vintage watch world.There is just something about the combination of a brown leather strap, a precious metal yellow gold case and a beautiful black dial. I am not sure what it is about those three colors in combination but the palate is one that I find simply beautiful. 
     You have probably become accustomed to my offerings of the 4073. It's a great watch and remains my absolute favorite offering from Geneva's oldest continuously producing Maison. This specific example is a reference 4066. Let's call it a cousin or relative. It features a some what similar three piece case design with snap back case back and is powered by the same exact caliber 453. It's lugs slightly more angled - manufactured by one of Switzerlands most famous case makers of the time: C.R Spillman.  Made famous by his creation of Rolex's oyster case, the case in combination with the dial make this example a knockout. To top it all of its dial is turning slightly tropical which is a cause for applause.. if that's your thing. 

ABOUT THIS WATCH: 

MANUFACTURER: Vacheron & Constantin

MODEL: Patrimony 

REFERENCE: 4066

YEAR: 1946

SERIAL: 29xxxx

CASE: The case was manufactured by C. R. Spillmann. C. R. Spillmann is a well known and prestigious case maker known for making cases for the likes of Rolex with their early Oysters amongst others. It measures 34mm in diameter and is constructed of solid 18kt yellow gold. The case as been polished in the past. The hallmarks on the case are well defined. The case is signed 2x and matching. The case presents wear commensurate with its age. It is completed by the watches original crown. 

DIAL:  An original V&C gilt dial. It goes without saying that Gilt dials are exceedingly rare - Vacheron is no exception. The lacquer on the dial excibits cracking under a loupe or magnification. The original black dial has turned brown in certain areas. This specific patination is dubbed as turning "tropical" by collectors. It's likeness is subjective and based on individual preferences. Generally speaking, tropical dials are highly sought after and often command premiums. 

MOVEMENT: Vacheron manually wound caliber 453. Vacheron's finishing prowess that they had come to be known for by the mid twentieth century is on full display as we see a myriad of finishing techniques including cotes de Genève, pearlage, anglage and black polishing. The service history is unknown. It was placed on a timegrapher which illustrated that it is keeping time within 13 seconds per day and has an amplitude of 339. The watch can be serviced for $350 plus any parts that may be needed. If serviced the watch will come with a one year mechanical warranty dated from completion of service. 

BRACELET:  We have paired this beautiful watch with our "Ioustiniani" strap - an entirely handmade goat skin strap. The strap was handcrafted by a single artisan in the heart of Italy. Italy has been come to known for their premium leather goods. Rest assured this strap is of the highest quality.

ACCESSORIES: None. 

BOX/PAPERS: No. 

EXTRACT: No. 

WARRANTY: None unless serviced prior. If serviced the watch will come with a one year warranty. 

BANK WIRE/ZELLE PRICE: $10,000 shipped.