Museum-Quality Antique 19th Century Vacheron Memento Mori Pocket Watch (46mm)

An extraordinary and highly coveted piece of mid-19th-century Swiss horology. Manufactured circa 1860 by the prestigious house of Vacheron and specially supplied for the retailer “Grand,” this exceptional timepiece is a masterpiece of Gothic Revival artistry and Memento Mori philosophy.

The heavy 18k gold-plated silver case features a breathtaking, deeply chased bas-relief sculpture on the reverse. The macabre scene is dominated by a central human skull resting above two smaller skulls, all tightly intertwined within the coiled body and wings of a mythical Gothic dragon. At the base of this intricate metalwork rests an unfurled banner bearing the legendary phrase “MEMENTO MORI” (Remember that you must die). This motif served as a constant, tangible reminder of mortality, earthly vanity, and the fleeting nature of time, making it an incredibly powerful philosophical instrument highly sought after by esoteric, Masonic, and macabre collectors.

Detailed Specifications

• Maker: Vacheron (Signed on the cuvette); Supplied for / Retailed by “Grand” (Signed on the dial)

• Era: Circa 1860s

• Case Material: 18k Gold-Plated Silver

• Case Dimensions: 46mm diameter (excluding pendant and bow)

• Exterior Motif: High-relief Gothic Memento Mori design featuring three skulls, a winged dragon, and a banner.

• Cuvette (Dust Cover): Beautifully engine-turned (guilloché) and signed within elegant cartouches: “CYLINDRE huit rubis” and “VACHERON”.

• Dial: Pristine white enamel dial featuring crisp black Roman numeral hour markers and a striking red Arabic outer minute track (5-60). Prominently signed “GRAND”.

• Hands: Original, delicate gilt hands with ornate pierced detailing.

• Movement: Antique mechanical key-wind and key-set cylinder escapement (8 jewels). Features a polished regulator scale marked “Avance / Retard”.

• Accessories: Comes complete with a properly fitted antique winding and setting key.

• Operational Status: Perfect working condition. The key-wind movement operates smoothly and keeps highly reliable time for a 19th-century cylinder escapement.

Condition Report

• Case: Exceptional antique condition. The 18k gold-plated finish retains a brilliant, rich luster with a beautiful warm patina. The high-relief Gothic sculpture on the reverse is incredibly sharp; it has not been smoothed down by centuries of over-polishing, allowing the dramatic details of the dragon and skulls to stand out perfectly. The hinges are tight and the case snaps shut securely.

• Dial: The enamel dial is in outstanding, collector-grade condition. The white surface is brilliantly clean and completely free of any distracting chips, hairlines, or repairs.

• Mechanical: The movement is immaculately clean and completely free of rust or corrosion. The components remain crisp, and the winding/setting action is smooth and decisive.

Shipping & Handling This highly significant piece of Vacheron horological history and Gothic artistry is an investment-grade antiquity. It will be packaged with the utmost professional care, utilizing highly secure, tracked, and fully insured expedited international shipping to ensure its absolute safety during transit. Please thoroughly review all high-resolution macro photography provided to fully appreciate the outstanding condition, striking high-relief artwork, and mechanical integrity of this historic Memento Mori watch prior to purchasing. Feel free to contact us with any questions!

The watch comes with an APPRAISAL CERTIFICATE FOR $3500