Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1946 Reference No: 4178 Movement No: 446'430 Model Name: "Indian Summer" Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 434, 19 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold pin buckle Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1946.
Catalogue Essay
Mesmerizing would be an understatement to describe the dial of the present reference 4178. The original champagne dial has turned a bombastic and arresting exotic two tone mix of champagne and orange defying conventional color nomenclature.
Reference 4178 is most probably one of the most recognizable vintage chronographs thanks to its slim stepped case and signature faceted lugs giving the watch a sleek elegant silhouette.
During its production, the reference 4178 housed two different chronograph calibers: V492 and V434. Research shows us that reference 4178 housing cal. 434 was made in only 231 examples in yellow gold, and most probably this is the unique example with such a vibrant and harmonious dial patina.
Collectors consider Vacheron Constantin’s reference 4178 as one of the most beautiful and perfectly balanced vintage chronographs. This is a rare opportunity to obtain such an iconic model with such an arresting dial featuring a rare pulsation scale.
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.