205
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 4178
An extremely attractive, scarce and well-preserved pink gold chronograph wristwatch with two-tone pink dial and pulsometer scale
- Estimate
- CHF25,000 - 50,000€26,600 - 53,200$29,100 - 58,100
CHF76,200
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Vacheron Constantin
- Year
- 1945
- Reference No
- 4178
- Movement No
- 446’245
- Case No
- 288'891
- Material
- 18K pink gold
- Calibre
- Manual, cal. 434, 19 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- Gilt 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 the present watch in 1945
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Many vintage (and modern) Vacheron Constantin creations are recognisable for the distinctive “fancy” lugs style. From the famous “Cornes de Vache” to the present half-teardrop design, the company has always managed to fuse elegance and flamboyance in an inimitable manner. This watch is a superbly preserved example of such ineffable designs which exemplifies that over the course of about 70 years their appeal has not waned a bit, if anything it has grown.
The present creation is a masterpiece from the mid-20th century, notable not only for its pink gold case, but furthermore for its ton-sur-ton salmon dial bearing a superbly preserved two-tone finish and, incredibly, a pulsometer scale. While the most common scale found on vintage chronographs is the tachymeter, other scales have been employed in watchmaking (telemeter scale, tide indication scale, units-per-minute scale, asthmometer and so forth). The present pulsometer scale gives out the pulse of the patient after counting 30 heartbeats - a longer measurement than the usually seen 15 pulsations which increases the accuracy of the reading.
The present creation is a masterpiece from the mid-20th century, notable not only for its pink gold case, but furthermore for its ton-sur-ton salmon dial bearing a superbly preserved two-tone finish and, incredibly, a pulsometer scale. While the most common scale found on vintage chronographs is the tachymeter, other scales have been employed in watchmaking (telemeter scale, tide indication scale, units-per-minute scale, asthmometer and so forth). The present pulsometer scale gives out the pulse of the patient after counting 30 heartbeats - a longer measurement than the usually seen 15 pulsations which increases the accuracy of the reading.
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.