It is a rare privilege to be able to admire such a large and richly diverse selection of watch cases. This overview in addition to the tremendous pleasure it affords us also offers great insight into the evolution of horological design and in particular that of the lugs and the dial. The next seven lots offer a clear illustration of how despite its relatively small dimensions the watch is able to mobilize so many treasures of artistic invention. Giving free reign to their imaginations inventing innovative forms and designing dials of extraordinary beauty and creativity Vacheron Constantin and a few other firms such as Patek Philippe produced marvels of technical and artistic creativity and at the same time consecrated the city of Geneva as the center of haute horlogerie.