Vacheron Constantin - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII Geneva Friday, November 3, 2023 | 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: pink gold Vacheron Constantin vintage style pin buckle
    Dimensions: 34mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming date of manufacture in 1945.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present Vacheron Constantin reference 4072 is not only visually arresting thanks to its combination of pink gold and steel case and two tone champagne dial but it is also preserved in absolutely astounding condition.

    Two-tone cases in vintage watches not only have a certain graphic beauty but the mix of a white metal (steel, white gold, platinum) with a colored metal (pink or yellow gold) gives the watch incredible presence on the wrist. The present reference 4072 in steel with pink gold bezel, crown and chronograph pushers is a wonderful take on a classic design with a twist.

    The addition of an exquisite two-tone champagne dial to an already perfect equation elevates this watch to bombastic heights.

    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.

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

1945
34mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF50,000 - 100,000 
€51,900-104,000
$55,000-110,000

Sold for CHF88,900

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

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The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII

Geneva Auction 3 - 4 November 2023