Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1966 Reference No: 4072 Movement No: 470'168 Case No: 420'511 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 492, 19 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Pin buckle Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract From the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1966. Literature: Ref 4072 is illustrated in "The Treasures of Vacheron Constantin" page 238.
Catalogue Essay
Rarely has the term "dress chronograph" been used so meaningfully. The Vacheron Constantin ref 4072 is a gem of horological design, it is understated, minimalist yet playful. In production from 1938 until the late 1960s the reference 4072 still exudes a highly contemporary elegance.
Scholarship tells us that only 214 yellow gold timepieces with the chronograph caliber 492 were manufactured. Vacheron Constantin produced the watch with both the rare oval-shaped chronograph pushers, or as found on the present watch, with more modern, rectangular-shaped pushers. Furthermore, the 35mm case featured either a rare flat bezel or a bevelled one.
One of Vacheron Constantin’s most iconic and sought after vintage chronograph models, the present watch will please due to its overall excellent condition and beautiful dial that has turned to a pleasing vanilla color. The case appears larger due to the elongated and powerful lugs, as well as the wide dial opening. Scholars and connoisseurs consider Vacheron Constantin chronographs to be amongst the most beautiful ever made, offering not only exceptional quality, aesthetics and value but most importantly wearing pleasure.
The world's oldest watch brand in continuous operation since its founding in 1755, Vacheron Constantin was the first watch company to manufacture movements with interchangeable parts beginning in 1839. Vacheron's watches are admired for their Latin-influenced case designs, well-balanced proportions and exquisitely finished movements of the highest quality. The Geneva-based manufacturer is known for their highly complicated masterpieces, including the King Farouk Grand Complication made in 1935, the Tour de l'Ile that was the most complicated serially produced wristwatch when introduced in 2005 and the 57260 — the world’s most complicated watch — made in 2015.
Key vintage models include minute repeating wristwatches such as the references 4261, chronographs such as the references 4178 and 6087 and the oversized Cioccolotone models such as ref. 4737. Collectors also appreciate Vacheron's Chronometer Royal pocket and wristwatches, as well as the '222,' the brand's first luxury sports watch produced from 1977 through 1984.