Rare Swiss 18 carat gold keyless lever pocket watch Circa 1872

Gold open faced gentlemen’s watch 
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A very fine and rare Swiss 18 carat gold open faced keyless pocket watch made by Veuve C. Vacheron et Co in Geneva, circa 1872. Sold in 1873. The nickel silver movement with Geneva striping decoration, 15 jewels, a gold wheel train, wolf’s tooth winding, a counterpoised and calibrated straight line lever escapement, cut bimetallic compensation balance, blued steel Breguet balance spring and an index regulator with an engraved scale on the center bridge. White enamel dial with Roman hour numerals, an outer minute track, subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock and blued steel fleur-de-lys hands. The polished case features a hinged gold cuvette with an engine turned border. Dial and cuvette signed, movement signed and numbered. Accompanied by a Certificate of Origin.
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Diameter: 51 mm
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Signed: Veuve C. Vacheron et Co Geneva
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Veuve C. Vacheron et Co
Led by Laure Vacheron-Pernessin, the widow (veuve) of César Vacheron, and Catherine-Etienne Vacheron, the widow of Jacques Barthélemy Vacheron, the Vacheron family watchmaking business was renamed Veuve César Vacheron & Cie in 1870. The name Vacheron & Constantin was not restored until 1877. During this seven year period, with the two women in charge, some of the highest quality timepieces were manufactured.
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This timepiece is high grade with a gold wheel train, wolf’s tooth winding and a fine escapement.