Vacheron Constantin - The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE Geneva Saturday, May 11, 2019 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1945
    Reference No: 4072
    Movement No: 437'690
    Case No: 273'572
    Material: Stainless steel and 14K pink gold
    Calibre: Manual, cal. 434, 19 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 34mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming date of manufacture in 1945

  • Catalogue Essay

    It is believed that following its partnership with famed Parisian casemaker Verger Frères in the 1920s, Vacheron Constantin has since then infused a certain Mediterranean flair and Parisian chic to its timepieces, the present astounding reference 4072 in stainless steel and pink gold is a perfect example.

    The elegant combination of the two tone pink champagne dial paired with a steel case and pink gold bezel as well as chronograph pushers make the present watch a symbol of exquisite style and sophisticated nonchalance.

    In production from 1938 until the late 1960s the reference 4072 still exudes a highly contemporary elegance. Vacheron Constantin produced the watch with both the rare oval-shaped chronograph pushers, or as found on the present watch, with more modern, rectangular-shaped pushers. Furthermore, the 34mm case featured either a rare flat bezel or a beveled one.

    One of Vacheron Constantin’s most iconic and sought after vintage chronograph models, especially in the present combination of which less than 70 are known, this particular reference 4072 is distinguished by its immaculate case preserved in factory fresh condition. The case appears larger due to the elongated and powerful lugs as well as the wide dial opening.

    Scholars and connoisseurs consider Vacheron Constantin chronographs to be amongst the most beautiful ever made, offering exceptional quality, aesthetics and value. The present model is amongst the finest and best preserved examples of the reference to appear on the market in recent memory, making it a trophy watch for the connoisseur.

  • Artist Biography

    Vacheron Constantin

    Swiss • 1755

    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.

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146

Ref. 4072
A superbly preserved stainless steel and 14K pink gold chronograph wristwatch with two tone pink champagne dial

1945
34mm Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF80,000 - 120,000 
€71,300-107,000
$80,600-121,000

Sold for CHF112,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Sale
+ 41 79 637 1724
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: NINE

Geneva Auction 11-12 May 2019