Swiss 18K yellow gold open faced pocket watch Circa 1846

Gold open faced key winding watch
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A fine Swiss 18 carat yellow gold open faced pocket watch made by Vacheron Constantin, circa 1846. It has a mechanical key winding movement with a bar calibre layout (cal. 18” low), featuring a cylinder escapement and a polished steel balance, signed Vacheron et Constantin. The white enamel dial shows black Roman numerals for the hours, a fine outer railway minute track, and elegant gold Breguet style hands, signed Vacheron Constantin.
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The timepiece is housed in a round, hinged, 18 carat solid yellow gold open faced case with a ribbed caseband, a sturdy round suspension bow, and a gold inner protective cuvette. The inside of the caseback is historically engraved: Dernière Montre de l’Ancien Roi de Hollande Louis Bonaparte, léguée à son neveu et filleul Louis Lucien Bonaparte, donnée en septembre 1849 à T.F., signed Vacheron et Constantin.
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Diameter: 44 mm
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Weight: 50.5 g
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Signed: Vacheron Constantin
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This timepiece is officially registered in the Manufacture’s archives, but no additional documentation currently confirms its royal provenance.