Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1947 Reference No: 4072 Movement No: 128’681 Case No: 299’939 Material: 18k pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. V434, 19 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Gilt pin buckle Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1947.
Catalogue Essay
Vacheron Constantin’s reference 4072 is sleek, elegant and definitely one of the most well balanced vintage chronographs.
In production from 1938 until the late 1960s, the reference 4072 is a very diverse chronograph model. While cased most often in yellow gold, the reference was also dressed in pink gold, stainless steel, or steel and gold combinations.
The elongated lugs and wide opening to the dial give the watch huge presence on the wrist. The case of the present example is very well preserved with a very crisp hallmark on the flank and the two tone dial gives extra character to this appealing example.
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.