Vacheron Constantin - The Geneva Watch Auction: XII Geneva Saturday, November 7, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1949
    Reference No: 4178
    Movement No: 466'450
    Case No: 303'417
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 492, 19 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Vacheron & Constantin buckle
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of this watch in 1949.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Launched in 1940 and in production until 1964, Vacheron Constantin's reference 4178 is the model collectors 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.

    The present watch is an exceedingly rare species due to the dial, which displays the signature of Italian watch retailer Silipo. Founded in 1913, Silipo sells both jewelry and watches, and is still in business today. It was an honor and rare occurrence for a retailer to print their name on the dial, which underscores the rarity of the present timepiece.

    The watch itself is preserved in excellent condition and displays a crisp hallmark beneath the lugs. The dial is preserved in excellent condition with a crisp signature and graphics.

  • 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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140

Ref. 4178
A rare and attractive yellow gold chronograph wristwatch with two-tone dial, retailed by Silipo

1949
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF20,000 - 40,000 
€18,500-37,100
$21,800-43,600

Sold for CHF30,240

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East

41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XII

Geneva Auction 6 - 7 November 2020