quattro
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The ‘Sole’
First time I see some real “live” photos of this legendary watch: the Vacheron Constantin ref. 10970 from 1917.
Neither rectangular nor oval, the yellow gold case has a wavy, undulating, almost free-flowing outline, which earned the watch the nickname ‘Sole’.
The silver dial features black painted Arabic numerals and characteristic “oeil de perdrix ” hands.
This watch is almost never seen out of a window display.
credit: @lesrhabilleurs & @ontherocks
It was of course featured, among others, in the 2019 “Nicknames” Exhibition in Singapore.
In the image below, the watch, usually referenced under no. 10970 is called “model 1429”. I guess this timepiece from 1917 has been referenced in various ways in modern times.
Lastly, the ‘Sole’ was sold by Antiquorum in Geneva, Hotel Des Bergues, on November 13, 1994 and it was probably acquired by Vacheron Constantin on this occasion.
The watch was described as follows:
“Movement no. 376723, case no. 232153, completed in October 1917, sold on 9 October 1918 to Mr. H. Place.
Extremely fine and rare, large, corrugated rectangular 18ct gold gentleman's wristwatch.
Movement 10 3/4"' gilt brass, 17 jewels, lever escapement, cut bimetallic balance, Breguet balance-spring.
Dimensions 26 x 43 mm.”
credit: Antiquorum
Thanks for looking.
Best, Emmanuel
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The ‘Sole’
First time I see some real “ live ” photos of this legendary watch : the Vacheron Constantin ref. 10970 from 1917 . Neither rectangular nor oval , the yellow gold case has a wavy , undulating , almost free-flowing outline, which earned the watch the nickn...
Yes, elegantly and subtly extravagant!
And I agree that the drawings made for the “Nicknames” exhibition are very nice! Best, Emmanuel
A surprising one, isn’t it?
They generally show it during their grand exhibitions like “Nicknames” in 2019 or “Classic with a twist” in 2021.
Terrific piece!
Maybe it could be called the Vacheron Crash. But sole is much better. Forgive my twisted humor.
Terrific indeed!
And yes, not unrelated to the Cartier Crash, but more "sole" than "crash"! Best, Emmanuel
An absolutely special piece, the Mystery!
Best, Emmanuel credit: Vintage Portfolio ...
Interesting design….
I sort of wonder what it look like set to say 12:30. The short hands may give it a bit of a strange look.
Good point. If they got the proportions right, it should look a bit like
with my 5098P, except, of course that the Sole doesn't have an oval track which brings the “outer” numerals (11, 12, 1, 5, 6, 7) closer to the center... Best, Emmanuel ...
A curvy beauty, quattro.
These nicknames and shapes from VC fit my eye (I will wear my CdV tomorrow!). I especially like the Sole on that green strap in the last pic.
Some siblings of ref. 1429
from the archive photos in the World of Vacheron Constantin World of Vacheron Constantin pg. 307 pg. 308 pg 308 pg. 306 This was really a favourite period for both pocket and wrist watches! Such confidence, flamboyance and flair...as they say, "savoir-fai...
Came here to say the same. There were so many interesting designs from the 1920s - 1940s.
It was really a time of trial and error and brands weren't afraid (or rather, the way the business operated at the time) to expermient and try all sorts of quirky designs.
Thank you so much for sharing this content!
I really need to get this book. I sea that there was a Roman numerals variant of the 1429: that's very interesting and how great it would be to see it in real life! The 1455 is also very much to my taste. Many thanks again. Best, Emmanuel
