Swiss 18 carat gold half chronometer pocket watch Circa 1905

Gold anker chronometer
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A very well preserved pocket chronometer made by Vacheron Constantin SA in Geneva, Switzerland, circa 1905. The numbered case of this watch was crafted from 18 carat gold and is engine turned with a vacant cartouche on the back lid. The numbered cuvette is marked Demi-Chronomètre. The white enamel dial has Roman hours, an outer minute track, outermost Arabic five minute numerals, a subsidiary second dial at 6 o’clock and gold spade hands. The numbered movement is fitted with an exquisite anker chronometer escapement, a fine adjusting device, wolf’s toothing and a moustache lever.
The dial, cuvette and movement are signed.
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Diameter: 49 mm
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Weight: 78 g
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Signed: Vacheron & Constantin Genève
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Demi Chronomètre
In horology, a demi chronometer, French for half chronometer, refers to a high quality timepiece that bridges the gap between a standard movement and a certified chronometer. Prestigious makers like Vacheron & Constantin and Henry Capt frequently used it for watches sent for official observatory precision trials but either failed to meet the strict Bulletin de Marche standard or were pulled early for commercial sale.
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It can also indicate a movement with high grade technical adjustments such as being adjusted for temperature or featuring a hybrid of lever and chronometer escapements that didn’t quite reach full marine chronometer status.
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These watches are considered rare collector’s items because they represent luxury craftsmanship just below the absolute peak of 19^th century scientific precision