Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1954 Reference No: 4838 Movement No: 508'748 Case No: 335'656 Model Name: Chronomètre Royal Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 1008BS, 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 in 1954.
Catalogue Essay
Behind a delightfully dated name, the Chronomètre Royal (or Royal Chronometer) represents one of horology’s best known models as well as one of the first attempts at serial production of a precision timepiece. Each and every Chronomètre Royal was an ultimate expression of Vacheron Constantin’s know-how, in terms of aesthetic design, chronometry and finishing quality. Accordingly, vintage Chronomètre Royal wristwatches are considered by collectors and scholars to be amongst the finest ever made by any brand.
In 1953 Vacheron Constantin launched the first Chronomètre Royal wristwatch. These models housed the manual calibres 1007BS (sub seconds) and 1008BS (central seconds).
The present reference 4838 features an incredibly well-finished caliber 1008BS housed in a large yellow gold case with long elegant elongated lugs and a very surprising dial featuring lume plots – something idiosyncratic considering the classic and dress nature of the watch but making it an extremely rare example with this feature.
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.