Swiss gold open faced minute repeating watch Circa 1867

Gold keyless lever pocket watch
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A fine and very rare Swiss 18 carat yellow gold open faced minute repeating keyless pocket watch with matching heavy gold chain made for the Russian market by César Vacheron & Cie in Geneva, circa 1867. The lever movement repeats with two hammers on two gongs. White enamel dial with Roman hour numerals, an outer minute track, sunk subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock and spade hands. The very heavy hinged case features a polychrome enamelled double headed eagle coat of arms on the reverse, a slide in the band for the minute repeater and is stamped VC. Dial, case, cuvette and movement are signed.
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Diameter: 61 mm
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Signed: César Vacheron & Cie Genève
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In 1844, César Vacheron took over the business from his father, Jacques Barthélemy, grandson of Jean-Marc Vacheron.
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At the time, Jacques Barthélemy was only 57 years old, but with the Industrial Revolution in full swing, he felt it was time to hand over the reins to his young, talented and energetic son.
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In 1867, when François Constantin retired, César changed the company’s name to César Vacheron & Cie. Two years later, it was renamed again to Charles Vacheron & Cie when César’s son joined the business at only 22. Sadly, Charles passed away at a very young age. It was not until 1877 that the company’s name was restored to what it is famous for today, Vacheron & Constantin.
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This watch is an incredibly rare example to be signed César Vacheron & Cie and it is in excellent overall condition.
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What further distinguishes this timepiece is the polychrome enamel Russian Empire coat of arms on the case back. The two headed eagle is crowned with two imperial crowns and a third enlarged crown above, with two fluttering ribbon ends representing the Order of Saint Andrew. It holds a golden sceptre and globus cruciger. On its chest are the arms of Moscow, depicting Saint George on a horse defeating the dragon.