Vacheron Constantin - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIV Geneva Friday, November 5, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1947
    Reference No: 4178
    Movement No: 446'310
    Case No: 288'942
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 343, 19 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of this watch in 1947.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1940 and in production until 1964, Vacheron Constantin's reference 4178 is the model collectors immediately designate as an icon and the chronograph most associated with Vacheron Constantin. Immediately recognizable thanks to its gorgeous and inimitable teardrop lugs, the 4178 is also considered one of the most beautiful chronograph watches ever made due to its balanced proportions and near-perfect symmetry.

    The present watch is an exceedingly rare example of a reference 4178 that ticks many boxes for the savvy collector: it features a drop dead gorgeous two-tone salmon dial, with rare pulsation scale, a steel case and is in fabulous condition.

    The dial is incredibly well-preserved with hard enamel signature intact and nicely raised as the connoisseur would appreciate. The stainless steel case is in sharp excellent overall condition with elegant- perfectly preserved- teardrop lugs.

    The present ref 4178 in steel with two-tone salmon dial is one of the rarest and most desirable chronographs manufactured by Vacheron Constantin. Its sensuous curves and perfect proportions are symbols of exquisite style and would make a prefect addition to the collection of the connoisseur.

  • 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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Ref. 4178
A superb and well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with two-tone salmon dial and pulsation scale

1947
36mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 200,000 
€93,100-186,000
$108,000-216,000

Sold for CHF415,800

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East Director
AGhotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIV

Geneva Auction 5 & 7 November 2021