Ratel, the movement by Vacheron Constantin. A fine, rare and very unusual silver openface dual time zone keyless lever watch with special dial indicating Catholic hours of prayer and the stations of the cross, original box and literature
Ratel, the movement by Vacheron Constantin. A fine, rare and very unusual silver openface dual time zone keyless lever watch with special dial indicating Catholic hours of prayer and the stations of the cross, original box and literature Signed Ratel, Horloger Bte. De N. St.Pere Le Pape, movement no. 295449, case no. 177681, made circa 1893 Movement: cal. RA 18'''XX, manual, 15 jewels, numbered Dial: white enamel, gilt sun, cross and crown of thorns in the centre radiating out into 12 divisions, each sector with dedications and the stations of the cross, blued steel hands representing the instruments of the passion, gold hand indicating the time in Jerusalem, signed by Ratel Case: hinged back cast and chased with Jesus on the cross, a rosary in high relief to the edge and to the bezel, flat band with latin inscription “Vigilate Qvia Nescitis Diem Neqve Horam”, hinged silver cuvette with engraved dedication, signed by Ratel, 45.5 mm. diam. With: Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch wth silver case no. 177'681 and movement no. 295'449 in 1893, original Ratel printed description and Ratel gold-tooled red morocco fitted box