Swiss 18k gold skeletonized keyless lever watch Circa 1991

Gold skeletonized lever by Vacheron & Constantin
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A Swiss 18 carat gold skeletonized keyless pocket watch, circa 1991. Lever movement, 20 jewels, skeletonized, manual wind. Skeletonized dial. Case with ribbed bezel, snap on back. Dial signed, case and movement signed and numbered. Signed: Vacheron Constantin
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Diameter: 43 mm
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Signed: Vacheron Constantin
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The Art of Skeletonizing
Within the watch world, there is a general consensus that a skeleton watch is one in which the plates and bridges of the movement have been cut away to leave only which the watch needs to function. Often in today’s world, an open dial watch is referred to as a skeleton, in which the dial has been removed to see the movement. In removing the excess metal from the movement, the remainder left an intricate design on its own, but also left a little room for the watchmaker to engrave a design or pattern on the remaining metal. This type of delicate design work takes a very skilled artisan, like those found at the manufacture of Vacheron Constantin. Throughout its history, Vacheron Constantin has placed an emphasis on the types of decorative work that were often passed down in families, from generation to generation – enamelling, gem setting and engraving.