Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1945 Reference No: 4241 Movement No: 429'785 Case No: 287'462 Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 455, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold 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 1945.
Catalogue Essay
Vacheron Constantin has a long history of calendar timepieces. A full calendar from 1790 is the company's first known complication timepiece, and the company went on to create distinctive pieces in the following centuries. This complication did not join the brand's catalogue as a serially produced reference until the debut of reference 4240 and 4241 in 1942. It was made with or without moonphases with the former being indicated by the letter L (for Lune, moon in French) after the reference number.
The date is shown by a central hand against a gorgeous and warm two-tone pink dial, while the day and month are indicated by two small apertures on the top part of the dial the date is printed on the periphery of the dial and indicated via a central hand. The oveall design , look and feel of the watch is harmonious, with a brilliant doré dial and an architecturally sophisticated matching pink gold casing. When viewed from the side, the exquisite pink gold fluted case is associated with lugs that appear gently tapered when viewed from the top but fiercely downturned, resembling fangs.
The present reference 4241 is preserved in excellent condition. The dial displays a charming patina, and is very well-preserved for its age.
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.