For sale is an exceptionally rare and historically significant Vacheron Constantin "Disco Volante" (Flying Saucer), produced circa 1939. This timepiece is a masterclass in "Streamline Moderne" design, capturing the final moments of Art Deco elegance before the world changed in the 1940s. With its stepped bezel, hidden lugs, and elusive black dial, this watch is a sophisticated architectural statement on the wrist.
The watch features a distinctive 18k yellow gold case with a tiered, "stepped" bezel that echoes the geometry of 1930s architecture. The unique "hidden lug" design allows the strap to disappear beneath the case, creating a perfectly round, uninterrupted silhouette. While the case measures a classic 30mm, the wide bezel and "saucer" shape grant it a wrist presence that wears significantly larger than its dimensions suggest. The most defining feature, however, is the "Phantom" black dial. In the late 1930s, black dials were typically special-order items reserved for military or scientific use; to find one on a high-society dress watch with applied gold dot indices and the arched "Vacheron & Constantin" signature is an incredibly rare occurrence.
Inside, the watch is powered by the manual-wind Caliber RA 10''' 105. Based on a legendary Jaeger-LeCoultre ébauche, this movement features the distinctive "finger" bridge architecture of the 1930s and was finished to Vacheron’s exacting standards in Geneva. This specific caliber was chosen for its slim profile, allowing for the "coin-thin" design of the Disco Volante case.
Key Features:
Brand: Vacheron Constantin
Year: ~1939 (Pre-War, Serial: 425,7xx)
Model Nickname: "Disco Volante" (Flying Saucer)
Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold
Case Size: 30mm (Wears larger due to wide tiered bezel and hidden lugs)
Dial: Factory Black with Applied Gold Dots & Arched Signature
Hands: Gold Baton Hands
Movement: Manual Wind Caliber RA 10''' 105 (Jaeger-LeCoultre Base)
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with crisp hallmarks.
Why Collectors Love It: This Vacheron Constantin represents a "Holy Grail" configuration for vintage dress watch collectors: Pre-War Date + Black Dial + Disco Volante Case. Most "Disco Volante" models found on the market date to the 1950s; finding a 1939 ancestor is a true rarity. It combines the technical durability of a JLC base caliber with the unmatched style of the Art Deco era. It is a dress watch for the connoisseur who finds a modern Patek Philippe too conventional and seeks a piece of history that demonstrates both specialized watchmaking and avant-garde design.
Return Policy All watch purchases from Arrows Vintage Watches include a 48-hour return window. If you’re not fully satisfied, you may return the watch at your expense using the same insured shipping method it was sent with, and in the same condition it was received. Once the watch is returned and inspected, refunds will be issued within 7 days via the original payment method.
All returns and cancellations will be charged a restocking fee around 3% of the total item price. This is the cost of using a payment processor on the site.
For sale is an exceptionally rare and historically significant Vacheron Constantin "Disco Volante" (Flying Saucer), produced circa 1939. This timepiece is a masterclass in "Streamline Moderne" design, capturing the final moments of Art Deco elegance before the world changed in the 1940s. With its stepped bezel, hidden lugs, and elusive black dial, this watch is a sophisticated architectural statement on the wrist.
The watch features a distinctive 18k yellow gold case with a tiered, "stepped" bezel that echoes the geometry of 1930s architecture. The unique "hidden lug" design allows the strap to disappear beneath the case, creating a perfectly round, uninterrupted silhouette. While the case measures a classic 30mm, the wide bezel and "saucer" shape grant it a wrist presence that wears significantly larger than its dimensions suggest. The most defining feature, however, is the "Phantom" black dial. In the late 1930s, black dials were typically special-order items reserved for military or scientific use; to find one on a high-society dress watch with applied gold dot indices and the arched "Vacheron & Constantin" signature is an incredibly rare occurrence.
Inside, the watch is powered by the manual-wind Caliber RA 10''' 105. Based on a legendary Jaeger-LeCoultre ébauche, this movement features the distinctive "finger" bridge architecture of the 1930s and was finished to Vacheron’s exacting standards in Geneva. This specific caliber was chosen for its slim profile, allowing for the "coin-thin" design of the Disco Volante case.
Key Features:
Brand: Vacheron Constantin
Year: ~1939 (Pre-War, Serial: 425,7xx)
Model Nickname: "Disco Volante" (Flying Saucer)
Case Material: 18k Yellow Gold
Case Size: 30mm (Wears larger due to wide tiered bezel and hidden lugs)
Dial: Factory Black with Applied Gold Dots & Arched Signature
Hands: Gold Baton Hands
Movement: Manual Wind Caliber RA 10''' 105 (Jaeger-LeCoultre Base)
Condition: Excellent vintage condition with crisp hallmarks.
Why Collectors Love It: This Vacheron Constantin represents a "Holy Grail" configuration for vintage dress watch collectors: Pre-War Date + Black Dial + Disco Volante Case. Most "Disco Volante" models found on the market date to the 1950s; finding a 1939 ancestor is a true rarity. It combines the technical durability of a JLC base caliber with the unmatched style of the Art Deco era. It is a dress watch for the connoisseur who finds a modern Patek Philippe too conventional and seeks a piece of history that demonstrates both specialized watchmaking and avant-garde design.
Return Policy All watch purchases from Arrows Vintage Watches include a 48-hour return window. If you’re not fully satisfied, you may return the watch at your expense using the same insured shipping method it was sent with, and in the same condition it was received. Once the watch is returned and inspected, refunds will be issued within 7 days via the original payment method.
All returns and cancellations will be charged a restocking fee around 3% of the total item price. This is the cost of using a payment processor on the site.
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