Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1943 Movement No: 431'429 Case No: 278'148, retailer stock number: 140'326 Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 434, jeweled Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Vacheron Constantin pin buckle Dimensions: 34.5mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1943.
Catalogue Essay
One of the most iconic wristwatch designs by Vacheron Constantin is without a doubt the one exemplified by the present piece, featuring the attractive teardrop lugs construction. This details adds flamboyancy and character to an otherwise very conservative case design. The final result is a masterpiece of elegance and one of the great timeless designs of the past century, still used to this day as inspiration for current-production wristwatches.
The present piece, offered by a prominent Italian collector, has the added peculiarity of featuring a finely hand-engraved number under the lugs: 140’326. This is most probably the retailer number, a system in use at the time by some of the most prominent jewelers (such as Cartier, Freccero and Ricciardi). While it is impossible to ascertain without a doubt the specific retailer in question, this subtle details adds an additional layer of interest to this already remarkable timepiece.
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.