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168

Vacheron Constantin

Ref. 4178

A superb and well-preserved stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with two-tone salmon dial and pulsation scale

Estimate
CHF100,000 - 200,000
€93,100 - 186,000
$108,000 - 216,000
CHF415,800
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Vacheron Constantin
Year
1947
Reference No
4178
Movement No
446'310
Case No
288'942
Material
Stainless steel
Calibre
Manual, cal. 343, 19 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Leather
Clasp/Buckle
Stainless steel pin buckle
Dimensions
36mm Diameter
Signed
Case, dial and movement signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of this watch in 1947.
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 example of a reference 4178 that ticks many boxes for the savvy collector: it features a drop dead gorgeous two-tone salmon dial, with rare pulsation scale, a steel case and is in fabulous condition.

The dial is incredibly well-preserved with hard enamel signature intact and nicely raised as the connoisseur would appreciate. The stainless steel case is in sharp excellent overall condition with elegant- perfectly preserved- teardrop lugs.

The present ref 4178 in steel with two-tone salmon dial is one of the rarest and most desirable chronographs manufactured by Vacheron Constantin. Its sensuous curves and perfect proportions are symbols of exquisite style and would make a prefect addition to the collection of the connoisseur.

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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