Vacheron Constantin - The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT Geneva Saturday, November 10, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1946
    Reference No: 4240L
    Movement No: 457’980
    Case No: 294’168
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. V495, 17 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated 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 1946.

  • Catalogue Essay

    One intangible element that defines all Vacheron Constantin vintage watches is the air of flamboyant elegance they exude. The present reference 4240L (the L stands for Lune or “moon” in French) is the perfect embodiment of this design ethos.

    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 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.

    Vacheron Constantin has a long history of producing calendar watches. Its first identified complicated timepiece is a full calendar from 1790, and Vacheron Constantin 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 complication produced in series.

    The reference 4240 is one of the few vintage wristwatch designs by the firm featuring a triple calendar function, which was available with or without moonphase display. Because of its iconic status, the reference 4240 was relaunched in 2017 by Vacheron Constantin, in two versions again, with or without moonphase display.

    In superbly preserved condition, the present Vacheron Constantin is a tribute to the brand’s technical and artistic creativity, and is a must have in the collection of every Vacheronista.

  • Artist Biography

    Vacheron Constantin

    Swiss • 1755

    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.

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102

Ref. 4240L
A fine and very rare pink gold triple calendar wristwatch with moonphases and pink two-tone dial

1946
35mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 30,000 
€17,600-26,400
$20,500-30,700

Sold for CHF47,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: EIGHT

Geneva Auction 10-11 November 2018