Vacheron Constantin - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: ONE Hong Kong Monday, November 30, 2015 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1943
    Reference No: 4178
    Movement No: 437'433
    Case No: 272'474
    Model Name: 4178 Chronograph
    Material: 14k pink gold and stainless steel
    Calibre: Mechanical, 13''434, 19 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Brown Vacheron Constantin crocodile leather strap
    Clasp/Buckle: 14k pink gold Vacheron Constantin buckle
    Dimensions: 36 mm. diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: With Vacheron Constantin Certificate of Authenticity confirming the production of the present watch is in 14k pink gold and stainless steel, manufactured in 1943.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Vacheron Constantin chronograph wristwatches are increasing in popularity every season. The rarity and quality of a Vacheron chronograph from the 1940s and to the 1960s is on par if not exceeding every other brand from the same period. The reference 4178 is distinguished by its tear-drop lugs, sharp lines and definition to the case. Production started in 1940 and ceased in 1964.

    Manufactured in 1943, this reference 4178 is a highly unusual example fitted with pink gold lugs, pushers and crown. The case is constructed from stainless steel and the dial is finished in a champagne two-tone with applied pink gold Arabic and dot numerals. Confirmed by the Vacheron Constantin Archives in 2010, this exceedingly rare example is in fabulous overall condition with very sharp case lines, crisp facets to the lugs and very charismatic unrestored dial.

  • 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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Σ145

Ref. 4178
An extremely fine and exceptional pink gold and stainless steel chronograph wristwatch with two tone champagne dial and certificate of autheticity

1943
36 mm. diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$240,000 - 400,000 

Sold for HK$675,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
thomasperazzi@phillips.com

Ziyong Ho
Specialist
+852 9386 2032
ziyongho@phillips.com

Jill Chen
Specialist
+852 2318 2033
jillchen@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: ONE

Hong Kong Auction 1 December 2015 11am