aaron_c
9
ca 1945 vintage
Hi. I own multiple vintage VCs from this era. Based on the serial number on the case, this watch was probably produced in 1945. It's important to confirm that the movement serial number is also from 1945, but I couldn't read it in your photos. The case and movement serial numbers will not match.
The buckle is from the 1980s. It looks as thought the buckle may be yellow gold but you indicated that the watch is rose gold. I have seen VC put a more modern buckle on an older watch when they restore a watch and then re-sell it at one of their boutiques. But VC would choose to pair the watch with matching rose gold if they were restoring it. VC still sells 1980s vintage buckles, but not earlier ones.
The strap looks like is made of ostrich. I think that an original strap from 1945 would have been cow leather. If the strap has no branding then I don't think it's VC.
The case and movement appear to be in excellent condition. And teardrop lugs are a classic VC design!
The photos were a bit blurry, but I also guess that the dial may have been refinished. Some good close up photos of the logo and the sub-dial would be helpful. Some of the date numbers appear to be missing some paint. Perhaps there are scratches in the crystal that are making it look like the paint is missing? Is the dial paint smooth, or does it have a texture? Are the black lines of the logo and sub-dial very slightly raised?
Regarding wearing it immediately, if it does not keep time well I would recommend having it serviced before wearing it. Old watches need to be cleaned and oiled periodically, and if they're run with old oil the parts will start to wear out. If it the parts are undamaged, a local (skilled) watchmaker will be able to service it. If it needs replacement parts it will have to go back to VC in Switzerland and will probably cost you double for the service (although it will certainly be serviced well). So, I always stop wearing my watches once they don't keep time well anymore or they stop earlier than normal. That's the signal to send them to the watchmaker.
My first vintage VC. 4241
Hello All, This is my very first post. I apologize in advance for my ignorance. I recently acquired what I believe to be a rose gold VC 4241 at auction. Per the auction house the watch would work for 24 hours then stop. I rolled the dice and made the buy....
Thank you!
It could have definitely been worse. I have been dealing with antiques for a while and I was actually pleasantly surprised. I expected to have to send it to VC immediately.
I cant help but want to say thank you for the nice pictures of that lovely
Watch and welcome to the forum!
My sense is the dial's refinished . . .
. . . which, if confirmed by our resident VC experts, should be your guide. If it was represented as authentic but proves otherwise, you might consider returning it. Cordially, Art
I would be surprised if it was.
The condition of the rest of the watch appears to be original. Original (or very old and brittle) broken down band, and the pusher was stuck in. It was not represented by the specific type of watch (4241)...etc. I don't think anyone took the time in the p...
My experience is almost entirely with Omega, but . . .
. . . please compare your dial against these images from our files. You'll find at least three points of reference where they diverge from yours. I hope our resident experts will be here soon to issue an authoritative opinion. Art ...
Excellent Eye....
I see the date numbers on the outer ring are flipped around the circumference starting at 9, the roman numerals are mounted vertically in the three and nine position in the picture you are showing, and the small dial has marks for individual seconds inste...
In the first photo, the watch closest to the hand looks like the Don Pancho minute repeater that was auctioned last year.
Did someone here pick it up? Or is that first photo a stock photo.
Ah, I understand now. Yes, that's the VC labeled 'Don Pancho' by . . .
. . . collectors, although I've no idea why.
No doubt....
I am planning on sending it in at some point. I am just really enjoying wearing it at the moment.
A bit of encouraging info....
I took the watch to the high end watch dealer in my area. He opened the back, to get the numbers, and said the watch is completely original. His hypothesis is that is sat in someones drawer for 50 years. I asked if it was OK to run/wear and he said it wou...
Great News!
I finally received the watch back from the VC Boutique yesterday. It looks amazing! They did a great job with it. Here are a couple photos. One with a 4240 from the house collection. Now I just need the new band to arrive! ...
ca 1945 vintage
Hi. I own multiple vintage VCs from this era. Based on the serial number on the case, this watch was probably produced in 1945. It's important to confirm that the movement serial number is also from 1945, but I couldn't read it in your photos. The case an...
Thanks for the info!
The abstract came back from 1946, and the numbers line up appropriately for movement and SN. I actually believe the buckle to be original, not because of my personal knowledge, because when I picked up my watch from the boutique after service/restoration ...
Not to worry
Buckles and straps are “consumables” that are replaced many times over the life of a watch which is regularly worn. Here is a previous post on the subject:
