Vacheron Constantin - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1947
    Reference No: 4240
    Movement No: 457'954
    Case No: 300'106
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. V455, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gilt 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 1947

  • Catalogue Essay

    Vacheron Constantin boasts a long history of producing calendar watches. Its first identified complicated timepiece is a full calendar from 1790, and the manufacture subsequently made unique pieces during the following centuries. However, it was not until the launch of reference 4240 in 1942 that this complication entered the brand’s catalogue as a serially produced reference. It was produced both with and without moonphases, the former indicated by ‘L’ for ‘lune’ after the reference number, and the latter indicated by the present example. Additionally, Vacheron produced examples with the days printed in both red and blue, a feature they offer on the modern reinterpretation of this vintage wristwatch, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple Calendrier 1948.

    The day and month are indicated via two apertures on the top part of the dial, whereas the date is indicated by a central hand against a beautiful and warm two-tone champagne dial. Small Arabic numerals interspersed with pyramidal indexes demonstrate the hours, while a printed railway track indicates the minutes. The result, displayed on a resplendent pink gold dial and housed in an architecturally elaborate matching pink gold case, is truly harmonious. The elegant pink gold fluted case is associated with lugs that look slightly tapered when viewed from the top but are aggressively downturned, looking like fangs, when seen from the side. The aesthetics of the present timepiece are matched only by its overall impeccable condition.

  • Artist Biography

    Vacheron Constantin

    Swiss • 1755

    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.

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147

Ref. 4240
A fine, very rare, and extremely well-preserved pink gold triple calendar wristwatch with pink two-tone dial

1947
A/P
35mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF15,000 - 25,000 
€13,400-22,300
$15,100-25,200

Sold for CHF25,000

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE

Geneva Auction 11-12 May 2019