223
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 4591
"The Hour Glass"
A very elegant and rare platinum rectangular wristwatch with diamond-set hour markers
Full-Cataloguing
- A perfect expression of post war design and exuberance
- Known as "The Hour Glass" due to the shape of the case and faceted crystal
- Rarely seen in platinum
You can just imagine the man whose wrist this Vacheron Constantin adorns—a somewhat louche, debonair figure, wearing a bespoke tuxedo in a club, listening to Dizzy Gillespie play the trumpet like no other, while sipping a Singapore Sling.
The present reference 4591 is a wonderful expression of post-war exuberance. The rectangular case has a bold, clean design, foreshadowing a mid-century aesthetic. Affectionately known by collectors as "The Hour Glass," the pillar lugs flare outward from the center and are delightfully curved, giving the timepiece an architectural appeal. The creatively angled crystal enhances these curves, with its facet positioned perfectly along the center line of the case.
The platinum case is brushed rather than the habitually seen polished finish, and the silver dial is complemented by diamond hour indexes, resulting in a superbly monochromatic effect.
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.