Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1949 Reference No: 4301 Movement No: 479'867 Case No: 315'076 Material: 18k pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 12 1/2''' P454/5B, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated buckle Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming year of production of the present watch in 1949
Catalogue Essay
Featuring one of the rarest dials ever seen on a time-only Vacheron wristwatch, the present lot is fresh to the auction market. The stunningly attractive, black “scientific”-type dial is radiant, thanks to its well-preserved glossy surface and rose gilt printing. Bearing a similar resemblance to the more often seen “sector”-type dial, very few Vacheron wristwatches with scientific dials have appeared on the market.
Housed in a substantial, 18 karat pink gold case, its 35 millimeter diameter was one of the brand’s larger models of the era, making it also sized for today’s tastes.
The case, with its downward turned lugs, is well preserved, and make this bold yet understated piece a wonderful addition to a distinguished collection of Vacheron Constantin watches. Furthermore, this piece is accompanied by an Extract from the Archives, confirming its date of manufacture in 1949.
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.