Rare, lightweight aluminium open faced lever watch Circa 1950

A rare and lightweight Swiss aluminium keyless wind open faced pocket watch, circa 1950. Nickel finish 17 jewel Swiss lever movement, cut and compensated bimetallic balance, adjusted to temperatures. Silvered dial, applied polished Arabic numerals, black outer minute divisions, steel hands and subsidiary seconds at 6. Polished aluminium case, back inscribed ‘Presented to H.V. Wilson by Northern Aluminium Company Ltd. in recognition of long and loyal service, 1954’. Case, dial and movement signed. Comes with a fitted Vacheron & Constantin case.
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Diameter: 44 mm
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Signed: Vacheron & Constantin Genève Swiss
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The company Aluminium Limited specially commissioned Vacheron & Constantin to make a watch predominantly out of aluminium. The case and the plates were all made from the very light metal and produce an exceptionally light but sturdy watch. The watches were given as mementos for employees of the company that attained 25 years of service and were inscribed with a presentation inscription. It is rare for watches to be made of exotic materials especially in series making this a very unusual piece.