• cal. K1014 manual winding nickel lever movement, 17 jewels, mono metallic balance • gilt sunburst dial, applied yellow gold baton indexes, baton hands • 18K yellow gold case, chased bezel with star motif, coin edged case band, pointed bow, chased case back depicting Mohammad Reza Pahlavi (the last Shah of Iran) • case, dial, and movement signed

CASE: Case in overall very good vintage condition with some light superficial wear. The perimeter around the dial with some oxidation. Inside front of case with heavier oxidation -visible when the timepiece is open. Some light surface scratches to the bow. Chased motif, figurative depiction, and text remains well pronounced. Case back with a small nick to the edge at 2. Small surface marking to the crysal glazing at 6. Please note that Vacheron Constantin confirms that the case back would not have been stamped with the serial number, in order to keep the decorative case from potential damage. DIAL: Dial in overall good vintage condition with light surface debris. Oxidation to the applied indexes, some ares with light oxidation to the gilt dial, closely around the applied index. Hands also with some light oxidation. MOVEMENT: Movement in excellent condition. The movement is running at time of cataloging, however it was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Accompanied by a small leather sleeve. Vacheron Constantin has long mastered the making of coin watches in many variations, from ultra thin, to concealed watches, to wristwatches. The firm first achieved the design in 1850, when Vacheron Constantin was commissioned to create a watch concealed within a Russian coin. Since then, they have integrated a variety of coins from around the world in their designs for these pieces.
The present lot is especially unique for its provenance and design. Inspired by Persian medals commemorating the Twelve Laws of the White Revolution issued in 1962, this watch is beautifully rendered with an open faced dial, and bezel with chased star motif. The timepiece was likely a special commission from the Royal court of Iran, made in 1970. Depicting Mohammad-Reza Pahlavi, the second and last monarch of the House of Pahlavi, the Iranian government often gifted commemorative pieces like this. Indeed, the present lot comes to us from the original owner, who received the timepiece from the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran upon his visit to Washington, DC in 1971.  
The timepiece likely commemorates the White Revolution, a far-reaching series of modern reforms launched under the leadership of Mohammad-Reza Pahlavi which promoted rapid industrial, military, and economic modernization, and liberating social reforms for women.