Swiss hunting cased watch with chronograph Circa 1885

Very fine, heavy hunting cased pocket watch
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A heavy Geneva hunting cased pocket watch with chronograph, delivered to George C. Shreve & Co. in San Francisco, circa 1885.
18 carat rose gold case with white enamel dial. Bridge movement, gold screw compensation balance.

The movement is fitted with a counterpoised lever escapement, wolf-tooth winding, a large gold screw compensation balance and ruby bearings. The back of the heavy gold case is polished, the front lid is decorated with an intricate monogram. The classic dial has a small seconds indicator and gold 5 minute chronograph numerals.
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Diameter: 48 mm
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Weight: 117 g
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Signed: Vacheron & Constantin à Genève
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This hunting case watch by Vacheron & Constantin was originally produced for George C. Shreve & Co. in San Francisco, a company that was just starting out at the time. Today Shreve & Company is a well-established retailer of jewellery and watches with headquarters in San Francisco. It was founded in 1894 by George Rodman and Albert J. Lewis and is considered San Francisco’s oldest commercial establishment. The Shreve & Co. signature sits next to the designation “Switzerland”.