Vintage Vacheron - Constantin

Apr 21, 2014,19:31 PM
 

Hello Everyone,


This is my first post to the group.  I am not a watch expert but came across this beautiful Vacheron-Constantin dating back to 1969.  I have photos of the inside and out but have no idea of what specific model it is, it's significance as a watch (if any) or it's original price back in the day.  If anyone would be willing to take a look at my photos off list, I'd not only be happy to send them via email but would also be most appreciative. The only thing I can say for sure about the watch is that it was gifted by Bob Hope to Apollo 7 Astronaut Wally Schirra.  Other than that history, I'm in the dark.  Thanks to all.  My email is [Email address suppressed for privacy].

Steve Hankow  





This message has been edited by pingtsai on 2014-04-21 21:16:54

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Can you upload photos please

 
 By: AndrewD : April 21st, 2014-19:43
Hi Steve, Welcome to PuristS. The watch sounds interesting, particularly with the little snippet of history, but we cannot really comment without photos and additional information. Any serials or movement numbers engraved on the case (inside and out) or m... 

Uploading photos

 
 By: steveh12 : April 21st, 2014-20:01
Andrew, Here are the images large for purposes of reading all of the numbers. I'm not good at this so hope it doesn't cause problems. Face Face Back with engraved inscription from Bob Hope Inside of back Movement ...  

The pictures help...

 
 By: Tick Talk : April 22nd, 2014-08:12
The info on the inside of the caseback tells most of the story. The model reference is 6704 with a variation from the standard design indicated by the /3. This may refer to the very funky engraved bezel and dial. Here are two catalog photos of this refere...  

Thanks for your assistance.  When...

 
 By: steveh12 : April 22nd, 2014-09:03
Thanks for your assistance. When this watch was produced in the mid 60s do you have a sense of what it's value was at that time? Oh, the sentiment engraved on the back was from actor, Bob Hope who gifted this watch to Apollo 7 Astronaut Wally Schirra. Ste... 

1967 pricelist shows $875.00

 
 By: Tick Talk : April 22nd, 2014-09:37
nt

some mention on NASA website

 
 By: Tick Talk : April 23rd, 2014-11:11
...  

Cool watch!

 
 By: respo : April 23rd, 2014-06:11
Not to mention the interesting provenance of your particular piece, but the work on the bezel is exquisite and unusual, the dial is gorgeous (I would love to see macros of that dial!), and it has the absolutely wonderful cal. 1003 inside. What is not to l... 

Fascinating watch!

 
 By: yesjb : April 24th, 2014-10:21
It looks like the pattern on the dial evokes multiple Vacheron logos, with the vertical part of the Maltese cross in gold and the horizontal in black, probably hand done rather than on a guilloché lathe. The inscription is also very interesting. I wonder ... 

The Apollo 7 crew won...

 
 By: steveh12 : April 24th, 2014-15:44
The Apollo 7 crew won emmy's that year for their first live television broadcasts from space. Bob Hope hosted a show on NBC TV to honor their mission. He had been a big fan of the space program going back to the Project Mercury days and remained good frie... 

Regarding posts of photos

 
 By: steveh12 : April 21st, 2014-20:09
Hi Andrew I can also send those numbers on the watch movement through via a post if the photos aren't clear enough to read them. They are very hi resolution but can't post them full sized to the forum. Steve

Some additional information

 
 By: steveh12 : April 21st, 2014-20:17
Inside showing movement Caliber is 1003 says 5 positions 17 jewels Geneve Inside Back 18K 0.750 412647 6704/3 Perhaps this information helps. Would love to know what I've got on my hands here. Thanks Andrew! Steve

Some additional information

 
 By: steveh12 : May 1st, 2014-22:22
Inside showing movement Caliber is 1003 says 5 positions 17 jewels Geneve Inside Back 18K 0.750 412647 6704/3 Perhaps this information helps. Would love to know what I've got on my hands here. Thanks Andrew! Steve

Hi Steve and welcome!

 
 By: pingtsai : April 21st, 2014-21:20
Welcome to the forum! Don't worry, many of us are not "watch experts", including myself. Thanks for posting pictures of this very nice vintage VC. I'm sure there is someone on here who will be able to tell you more about it. :) Is there a story behind thi...