Swiss 18K yellow gold and enamel open faced lever Circa 1896

Gold and enamel lever watch by Vacheron & Constantin
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A fine and small Swiss 18 carat gold and enamel open faced keyless lever pocket watch, circa 1896. This watch features a keyless, jewelled lever movement and a cream coloured enamel dial with blue Arabic numerals, outer minute dots, and Louis XV style hands. It has a small 18 carat yellow gold case, a gold cuvette, milled bezels, and a hinged back adorned with a painted polychrome enamel scene of boats on Lake Geneva, set against the snowy peak of Mont Blanc in the background. This scene is surrounded by chased gold scrolls and the coat of arms of the Canton of Geneva, all against a translucent blue enamel on an engine turned ground. The case, dial, cuvette, and movement are all signed.
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Diameter: 31 mm
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Signed: Vacheron & Constantin Genève
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The movement is in working condition. The enamel dial has a tiny crack between 2 and 7 o’clock, only visible under a strong loupe. The case exhibits surface wear throughout and pinhead dings in some areas, with a small dent visible on the band at 2 and 8 o’clock, discernible to the naked eye. The case back has minor surface wear. Overall, the watch is in very good condition considering its age.