Lot 354

Vacheron & Constantin, Swiss, Movement No. 3378585, 45 x 65 mm, 81 g, circa 1980
An unusual octagonal pocket watch, lavishly decorated with diamonds. The setting of the winding crown and the back are exquisitely ornamented with a royal crown of diamonds
Case: platinum/iridium, entirely set with brilliant-cut diamonds. Dial: silvered/gilt. Movm.: bridge movement, gold screw compensation balance.
Vacheron Constantin have created this striking pocket watch with a carpet of blazing diamonds; the goldsmiths have set the diamonds so skillfully that they never lose any of their marvellous brilliance, from whatever angle they are being looked at. In the 18th century watches decorated with such precious jewels were usually produced for the Russian market, later, during the 19th and the 20th century, rather for the Indian market. Some, however, were created for royal clients.