Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1949 Reference No: 4418 Movement No: 4'788'881 Case No: 311'752 Model Name: "Flame Lugs" Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. P453/3C, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold pin buckle Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by original Vacheron Constantin Certificat d'Origine et de Garantie, Vantrella -Roma signed fitted box and envelope, further accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives indicating date of production in 1949
Catalogue Essay
Amongst the three historic Swiss watch brands, Vacheron Constantin is often considered as being the more audacious and daring. During the 1940s and 1950s Vacheron Constantin opened the dam to its creative juices and experimented heavily on lug designs, going from minor twists to openly Baroque.
The case of the present watch is surprisingly curvaceous with amazing massive downturned lugs, nicknamed by collectors “flame lugs” perfectly complementing the serene silver dial.
Inside the watch ticks a superbly finished caliber P453/3C incorporating an elaborate, swan neck regulator that is mirror-polished to perfection.
Factor in the original Certificat d'Origine et de Garantie, retailer's fitted box, a large diameter of 35mm and perfectly balanced proportions, and you have a watch combining utmost rarity and timeless elegance.
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.
Ref. 4418 A rare and attractive pink gold wristwatch with silver dial, flame shaped lugs, original Certificat d'Origine et de Garantie and retailer's presentation box
1949 35mm. Diameter Case, dial and movement signed