Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1947 Reference No: 4178 Movement No: 128'607 Case No: 295'600 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 Certificate of Authenticity confirming year of production in 1947, service papers and original box
Catalogue Essay
The present Vacheron Constantin reference 4178 lures in seductively thanks to the winning combination of pink gold case and light champagne colored dial.
Launched in 1940 and in production until 1964, Vacheron Constantin's reference 4178 is the model collectors 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, like with the present lot, housed two different chronograph calibers: V492 and V434. Research shows us that only 280 examples of the reference 4178 in pink gold housing caliber 434 were made.
The present watch is in overall excellent condition retaining the faceted lugs and sensual curves that collectors find so attractive. It furthermore underwent a full service at Vacheron Constantin’s ateliers in Geneva in 2013 where the dial was restored to its previous glory.
The present 4178 would be an excellent addition to the collection of the savvy Vacheronista.
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.