Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1951 Reference No: 4657 Movement No: 494'613 Case No: 321'026 Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12''' 477/1, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Pin buckle Dimensions: 30.5 x 30.5mm. Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming year of production of the present watch in 1951
Catalogue Essay
Reference 4657 is a wonderful example of Vacheron Constantin’s bold and audacious automobile-inspired designs from the 1950s. Doing away with the somewhat Barroque designs of the past, the reference 4657 is a perfect example of a study in “no frills” design yet its cavalcade of strong lines and gentle curves give the present lot immense personality.
The majority of reference 4657 models that have appeared on the market were fitted with simple guilloché dials, whereas in the present lot, the guilloché dial is a potent and dramatic blend of horizontal lines and basket weave patterns.
The movement housed in the present lot is Vacheron Constantin’s original bumper wind automatic caliber 477 – a charismatic and delightful movement used by the brand for a short time during the 1950s.
Presented in unpolished, outstanding condition it’s a superb example of an oversized Vacheron Constantin watch with a strong design and rare movement that would fit perfectly in any collection.
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.