Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1951 Reference No: 4537 Movement No: 495'977 Case No: 326'043 Material: 18k pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal 453, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated pin buckle Dimensions: 38mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1951
Catalogue Essay
Made between 1950 and 1955 Vacheron Constantin’s reference 4537 with its 38mm case size was considered huge for its epoch, where men’s watches habitually had a case diameter of 33-35mm.
The present watch is striking with its powerful stylized lugs and absolutely gorgeous guilloche dial that has turned a very attractive champagne color.
Scholarship shows us that during its short production period reference 4537 was made in only 258 pieces in pink gold like the present model.
Beating within is Vacheron Constantin’s beautifully finished cal 453.
In overall very well preserved condition the present Vacheron Constantin with its elegant large pink gold case and graphic guilloché dial represents a beautiful example of Vacheron Constantin’s design ethos and craftsmanship
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.