製造商: Vacheron Constantin 年份: 1947 型號: 4240 機芯編號: 457'954 錶殼號碼: 300'106 材料: 18K pink gold 機芯: Manual, cal. V455, 17 jewels 錶帶/ 錶鏈: Leather 錶扣: Gilt pin buckle 尺寸: 35mm Diameter 簽名: Case, dial and movement signed 配件: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1947
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Vacheron Constantin boasts a long history of producing calendar watches. Its first identified complicated timepiece is a full calendar from 1790, and the manufacture subsequently made unique pieces during the following centuries. However, it was not until the launch of reference 4240 in 1942 that this complication entered the brand’s catalogue as a serially produced reference. It was produced both with and without moonphases, the former indicated by ‘L’ for ‘lune’ after the reference number, and the latter indicated by the present example. Additionally, Vacheron produced examples with the days printed in both red and blue, a feature they offer on the modern reinterpretation of this vintage wristwatch, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Triple Calendrier 1948.
The day and month are indicated via two apertures on the top part of the dial, whereas the date is indicated by a central hand against a beautiful and warm two-tone champagne dial. Small Arabic numerals interspersed with pyramidal indexes demonstrate the hours, while a printed railway track indicates the minutes. The result, displayed on a resplendent pink gold dial and housed in an architecturally elaborate matching pink gold case, is truly harmonious. The elegant pink gold fluted case is associated with lugs that look slightly tapered when viewed from the top but are aggressively downturned, looking like fangs, when seen from the side. The aesthetics of the present timepiece are matched only by its overall impeccable condition.
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.
