Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1951 Reference No: 4710 Movement No: 492'035 Case No: 323'403 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 454/5B, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold pin buckle Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract From the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1951.
Catalogue Essay
A savant mix of sophistication and audacity, the most striking elements of the present reference 4710 are the pointy faceted lugs and the absolutely gorgeous guilloché dial.
The large flat bezel is a superb frame for the multi pattern hand guilloché dial with its central vertical lines and barley pattern on the periphery. Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9 and 12 add a pinch of balance to an already enticing dial.
The present timepiece from one of the world’s most prestigious manufacturers is not just a pretty face but houses a superbly finished Vacheron Constantin caliber 454 featuring a swan neck regulator.
This timepiece also carries with it a bit of the story of its original owner, whom in 1954 received it as a lovely Christmas present, as the caseback is engraved "Darling, with all my love, Fay. Dec. 25 1954."
A perfect example of Vacheron Constantin’s visually innovative designs and technical expertise, the present lot will certainly please the collector in search of debonair 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.