Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1951 Reference No: 4661 Movement No: 488'234 Case No: 322'370 Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 9'''458, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Dimensions: 37.5mm. 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 1951
Catalogue Essay
Whilst a purely Genevan brand, Vacheron Constantin’s heart beats to a Mediterranean rhythm with flamboyant designs, and the present reference 4661 exemplifies this perfectly.
The 1950s were a period of no frills, industrial-based designs yet the present lot, with its dramatic lugs, brings panache and audacity. Reaching all the way to the bezel then tapering outwards, they were designed in the shape of massive and generous teardrops, perhaps inspired by Vacheron’s iconic lug shape of the 1940s.
The extremely rare black dial adds a dash of personality to an already exciting timepiece. Preserved in excellent condition, it’s interesting to note the “VXN” stamp on the movement indicating that it was sold to the US market.
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.