Vacheron Constantin’s willingness to offer alternative designs to classical dress wristwatches appears as early as the 1920s. The brand’s innovative and sometimes disruptive designs are well known amongst collectors and fancy lugs have become a key element of the brand DNA. The present reference 4709 appears in the early 1950s and was nicknamed “Helm” because of its likeness to a ship’s rudder. Over the course of its history, this model has seen many different dial versions and one major movement upgrade. While the first version featured a subsidiary seconds, later generations would feature center seconds.
The present watch is presented in very attractive condition. Its pink gold case retains strong proportion and the patina on the dial attests the love this watch has already received from its original owner. Because of its condition and distinctive design, we can confidently say this timepiece would move any collector who chances upon it.