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Lot Essay
According to the heritage department of Vacheron Constantin the present lot was manufactured in 1943.
With its rare and much sought after combination of a stainless steel ‘Staybrite’ case and highly charismatic two-tone dial, the present watch is one of the most desirable vintage chronographs by Vacheron Constantin to be offered at auction in recent years.
When considering iconic vintage models from Vacheron Constantin, this 1943 reference 4072 stainless steel chronograph is surely at the top of the list. Imbued with the magical Vacheron Constantin DNA, it has a perfectly elegant case and dial design, an absolute classic mid-century ‘golden age’ wristwatch. While most examples of Vacheron Constantin’s chronographs were produced in gold, the present watch is one of only a very small number to ever come to market in a case of ‘Staybrite’ stainless steel. The two-tone silvered dial remains in wonderful original condition and has naturally aged to a pleasing and distinguished patina. The movement of this watch is also extraordinarily beautiful - the Vacheron Constantin caliber 434, which was based on the Valjoux 22 movement.
Vacheron reference 4072, is a particularly interesting vintage chronograph, epitomizing the best wristwatch design of the period. Intended as a direct competitor to Patek Philippe’s legendary reference 1463, it was released in 1938. According to Vacheron Constantin, only 1,178 examples were made in over 30 years of production.
With its rare and much sought after combination of a stainless steel ‘Staybrite’ case and highly charismatic two-tone dial, the present watch is one of the most desirable vintage chronographs by Vacheron Constantin to be offered at auction in recent years.
When considering iconic vintage models from Vacheron Constantin, this 1943 reference 4072 stainless steel chronograph is surely at the top of the list. Imbued with the magical Vacheron Constantin DNA, it has a perfectly elegant case and dial design, an absolute classic mid-century ‘golden age’ wristwatch. While most examples of Vacheron Constantin’s chronographs were produced in gold, the present watch is one of only a very small number to ever come to market in a case of ‘Staybrite’ stainless steel. The two-tone silvered dial remains in wonderful original condition and has naturally aged to a pleasing and distinguished patina. The movement of this watch is also extraordinarily beautiful - the Vacheron Constantin caliber 434, which was based on the Valjoux 22 movement.
Vacheron reference 4072, is a particularly interesting vintage chronograph, epitomizing the best wristwatch design of the period. Intended as a direct competitor to Patek Philippe’s legendary reference 1463, it was released in 1938. According to Vacheron Constantin, only 1,178 examples were made in over 30 years of production.