Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1952 Reference No: 4709 Movement No: 5'021'123 Case No: 332'218 Model Name: "Helm" Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 458/38, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Vacheron Constantin pin buckle Dimensions: 32mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin fitted box and Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1952. Literature: This reference is illustrated in Secrets of Vacheron Constantin, by Franco Coloni, p. 269
Catalogue Essay
Vacheron Constantin’s willingness to offer alternative designs to classical dress wristwatches appears as early as the 1920s. The brand’s innovative and sometimes disruptive designs are well known amongst collectors and fancy lugs have become a key element of the brand DNA. The present reference 4709 appears in the early 1950s and was nicknamed “Helm” because of its likeness to a ship’s rudder. Over the course of its history, this model has seen many different dial versions and one major movement upgrade. While the first version featured a subsidiary seconds, later generations would feature center seconds. The present watch is presented in very attractive condition. Its pink gold case retains strong proportion and the patina on the dial attests the love this watch has already received from its original owner. Because of its condition and distinctive design, we can confidently say this timepiece would move any collector who chances upon it.
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.