.jpg?w=1)
THE PROPERTY OF A EUROPEAN COLLECTOR
VACHERON CONSTANTIN REFERENCE 4178
The following four lots are exemplifying Vacheron Constantin's wealth of inspiration and talent in designing amongst the world's most appealing chronograph wristwatches. Reference 4178 has been for over a decade Vacheron Constantin's signature model and most popular product in the range of chronograph wristwatches.
It is rare to find such group of chronographs, all reference 4178, all made during the 1940s and beautifully illustrating different dial designs ranging from the classic two-tone layout with a tachymetre scale (see lot 304) to the more exotic doctor's version featuring a pulsometre scale (see lot 302). Lot 303 is blessed with an incredibly charismatic two-tone dial featuring tones of champagne and rose - a combination virtually unknown to this model.
This series of watches is a typical story of a model which was continuously developed according to the changing taste of a distinguished clientele. It is most interesting to see that not only fine nuances such as colours, numerals and scales of the dials have evolved but even the proportions of the case.
Lot 305 is a perfect example of such development as it features thinner but slightly more elongated lugs combined with a straight case band whereas the later generation of reference 4178 (lots 302, 303, 304) feature the better known solid lugs and the rounded band. Lot 305, fitted with an incredibly elegant and charismatic vari-coloured rose dial and signed with the prominent retailer's signature Gobbi Milano is certainly one of the rarest and most desirable chronographs by Vacheron Constantin to be offered at auction in recent years.
Vacheron Constantin. A fine and rare 18K pink gold chronograph wristwatch with two-tone pink dial and pulsometer
SIGNED VACHERON & CONSTANTIN, GENEVE, MOVEMENT NO. 431'397, CASE NO. 271'251, REF. 4178, MANUFACTURED IN 1941
Details
Vacheron Constantin. A fine and rare 18K pink gold chronograph wristwatch with two-tone pink dial and pulsometer
Signed Vacheron & Constantin, Geneve, movement no. 431'397, case no. 271'251, ref. 4178, manufactured in 1941
Cal. 13''' 434 nickel-finished lever movement, 19 jewels, the two-tone pink dial with applied dot and Arabic numerals, outer scale calibrated for 30 pulsations, two subsidiary dials indicating constant seconds and 30 minutes register, in circular case with stepped bezel, downturned fluted claw lugs, snap on back, two rectangular chronograph buttons in the band, case, dial and movement signed
36 mm. diam.
Signed Vacheron & Constantin, Geneve, movement no. 431'397, case no. 271'251, ref. 4178, manufactured in 1941
Cal. 13''' 434 nickel-finished lever movement, 19 jewels, the two-tone pink dial with applied dot and Arabic numerals, outer scale calibrated for 30 pulsations, two subsidiary dials indicating constant seconds and 30 minutes register, in circular case with stepped bezel, downturned fluted claw lugs, snap on back, two rectangular chronograph buttons in the band, case, dial and movement signed
36 mm. diam.