Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1954 Reference No: 4717 Movement No: 500'365 Case No: 343'399 Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 12 1/2''' P453/3B, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Yellow gold plated buckle Dimensions: 35mm. Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming year of production of the present watch in 1954
Catalogue Essay
Reference 4717 illustrates the stunning diversity of Vacheron’s time-only wristwatches from the 1940s through 1960s. With its unusual, facetted, fan-shaped lugs, examples of this reference are hardly ever seen.
The standout feature is its stunning, black glossy dial. Preserved in immaculate condition, black dials are rarely found on vintage Vacheron Constantin watches, making them highly coveted amongst collectors.
Factor in the present lot’s large diameter of 35mm and perfectly balanced proportions, and you have a watch combining utmost rarity and timeless elegance. Inside is a superbly finished movement, the caliber P453/3B, stamped twice with the Geneva Seal, and incorporating an elaborate, swan neck regulator that is mirror-polished to perfection.
Extraordinary examples like the present lot continue to be a strong contributing factor to the growing desirability of Vacheron Constantin wristwatches.
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.