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Vacheron Constantin 18Kt Gold Pocket Watch Commissioned

Creator: Bailey Banks & Biddle
Offered by: Assay Jewelry

Description
The following is a custom-made Vacheron and Constantin pocket watch pendant adorned with blue enamel and a 0.50ct G-H VS old European cut diamond.

The custom watch was presented to the wife of famed American shipbuilder and designer Emory S. Land, who was known for his contributions to naval design for the US Navy during two world wars, served as President of the Air Transport Association of America, and was instrumental in overseeing the establishment of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Land and his wife are buried at Arlington National Cemetary.

The pocket watch pendant was presented as a gift on behalf of the Sun Shipbuilding and Drydock company, a major American shipbuilding company based in Philadelphia, PA that operated America's largest shipyard during World War II. The watch was presented to Mrs. Land on July 27, 1946 – about a year after D-Day – to mark the launching of the “S.S. Groningen,” which the Sun Shipbuilding and Drydock company had sold to the government of the Netherlands.

The pocket watch pendant was commissioned by famed watchmakers Vacheron and Constantin – who are among the first watchmakers in the world and have been in business since 1755 – and american jeweler “The Bailey Banks and Biddle Co.” Founded in 1832, Bailey Banks and Biddle was a Philadephia-based jeweler known for creating the design of the Great Seal of the United States, as well as the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, Purple Heart medals, and class rings for graduates of West Point Military Academy.

The custom box was engraved with the above information and we have confirmed the provenance via external research.

Item Details:
- Brand: Vacheron Constantin
- Retailer: Bailey Banks and Biddle
- Commissioned For Emory S. Land
- Type: Pocket Watch with Chain Necklace
- Measurements: 4.1 x 2.7 CM (approx.)
- Movement: Manual wind
- Chain Length: 12.5 inches
- Diamonds: 1 Old-European cut diamond (0.50 carats), 5 old single cut diamonds (0.20 carats)
- Materials: 18k gold, silver, blue enamel, watch jewels, and metal watch parts.

Condition: Full working condition, with minor surface-level scratches. Slight fading of the gold at the bail. Hallmarks, detailing, and filigree in very good condition.