The watch belonged to the collector James Ward Packard who was an automobile manufacturer who co-founded the Packard Motor Car Company and Packard Electric Company. The watch was made for him in 1919, just ten years before his death. This magnificent piece spent the last 60 years in the safe of a bank. It remained untouched for more than a half of century to be sold in flawless condition.
The 20-carat gold pocket watch (lot n° 100) is described as an openface two-train trip 7 1/2 minute repeating grande and petite sonnerie chronograph clockwatch. It has a nickel-finished two-train lever movement, 43 jewels, wolf's tooth winding, bi-metallic compensation balance, micrometer regulator, trip minute repeating on two gongs activated through the pendant, grande/petite sonnerie and strike/silent. Gold cuvette bares the inscription: FABRIQUÉ POUR James Ward Packard, Warren, Ohio, 1918 PAR VACHERON & CONSTANTIN, GENÈVE – SUISSE.
The dial is plain, made in white enamel and graced with Roman numerals and two sub-dials that indicate constant seconds and 30-minute register. The smooth round housing features 57 millimeters in diameter and has a blue enameled monogram JWP on the back.
This is certainly one of the most significant Vacheron Constantin watches to ever come to market. This is the only watch ever made that has a trip repeat, grande and petite sonnerie, chronograph and half-quarter repeating functions. According to Vacheron Constantin’s records, this watch was sold to Packard in 1919 for 3,320 Swiss Francs. It is now delivered to the new owner, together with the custom-fitted wood box and hand-written operating instructions. These instructions have probably been written by Packard's own hand.
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