51
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 4178
A rare and attractive pink gold chronograph wristwatch with silver dial
- Estimate
- CHF20,000 - 30,000€18,500 - 27,800$19,800 - 29,700
CHF50,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Vacheron Constantin
- Year
- 1945
- Reference No
- 4178
- Movement No
- 437'670
- Case No
- 288'885
- Material
- 18K pink gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 434, 19 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18k pink gold Vacheron Constantin pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 36mm. Diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production in 1945, further accompanied by a Vacheron Constantin pouch
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
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 434 was made in only 280 examples in pink gold. The present watch is in overall excellent condition retaining the faceted lugs and sensual curves that collectors find so attractive. The silver opaline dial, also in superb condition, has a discreet outer blue scale which along with the lack of any extra indication gives the dial a certain zen like serenity. The present lot in such a superb condition is a must have for any the savvy collector.
During its production, the reference 4178 housed two different chronograph calibers: V492 and V434. Research shows us that reference 4178 housing caliber 434 was made in only 280 examples in pink gold. The present watch is in overall excellent condition retaining the faceted lugs and sensual curves that collectors find so attractive. The silver opaline dial, also in superb condition, has a discreet outer blue scale which along with the lack of any extra indication gives the dial a certain zen like serenity. The present lot in such a superb condition is a must have for any the savvy collector.
Vacheron Constantin
Swiss | 1755The 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.
Browse MakerKey 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.