Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1944 Reference No: 4072 Movement No: 437'558 Case No: 285'547 Material: 18k yellow gold Calibre: Mechanical, 13'''-434, 19 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Brown leather strap Dimensions: 34.5 mm. diameter Signed:Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: With Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1944. Literature: For another example of a yellow gold reference 4072 however fitted with a silvered dial, please see Micro Portfolio of Images taken from Royal Vacheron Constantin by Pucci Papaleo.
Catalogue Essay
Vacheron Constantin launched one of its most famous chronograph models, reference 4072, in 1938. Coincidentally, the reference was produced the very year that Vacheron Constantin first started manufacturing serially numbered models. In production for nearly thirty years, the reference was cased in yellow gold, pink gold, along with steel and various gold combinations. The reference underwent three changes to its caliber, from the 295, to 434 and finally 492. The present watch is thus part of the second generation of this reference.
This wonderful yellow gold chronograph wristwatch features a shimmering champagne dial, that catches beautifully in the light. The dial has been preserved in excellent condition, and the watch furthermore retains a hallmark to the band.
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.