Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1948 Reference No: 4178 Movement No: 446'471 Case No: 299'864 Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 492, 19 jewels Bracelet/Strap: 18K pink gold riveted expandable Gay Frères bracelet, max length 195mm. Clasp/Buckle: 18K pin gold deployant clasp Dimensions: 36mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract From the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1948
Catalogue Essay
It is believed that following its partnership with famed Parisian casemaker Verger Frères in the 1920s Vacheron Constantin has since then infused a certain Mediterranean flair and Parisian chic to its timepieces, the present pink gold reference 4178 with its two-tone pink dial being the perfect example.
Launched in 1940 and in production until 1964, Vacheron Constantin's reference 4178 is the model Vacheronistas immediately designate as an icon and the chronograph most associated with Vacheron Constantin. Immediately recognizable thanks to its gorgeous and inimitable teardrop lugs, the 4178 is also considered one of the most beautiful chronograph watches ever made due to its balanced proportions and near-perfect symmetry.
During its production, the reference 4178 housed two different chronograph calibers: V492 and V434. Research shows us that reference 4178 housing caliber 492 was made in only 108 examples in pink gold.
The present lot in overall excellent condition is a beautiful study in monochrome with its pink gold case and bracelet and pink two-tone dial with an über rare pulsations scale. Its sensuous curves and perfect proportions are symbols of exquisite style and would make a prefect addition to the collection of the rakish connoisseur.
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.