Vacheron Constantin

Vacheron Constantin holds the distinction of being the oldest watchmaker in continuous production, having been producing watches without interruption since 1755. Rich with history, there are several models that stand out from the catalog, the reference 4178 truly being one of them. First introduced in 1940, the reference is immediately recognizable from its ‘fan-shaped’ lugs. The case shape has a beautifully art-deco feel to it with the exquisite finishing one would expect from Vacheron. Interestingly, for a dress chronograph watch in yellow gold, the present example has both a 60-second inner scale, and a telemeter outer scale. Telemeter scales are able to measure distance through sound.

The present 4178 uses the calibre 492, a highly finished column wheel chronograph movement, and boasts an impressive 36mm diameter – quite large for a watch from the 1940s. Vacheron estimates that less than 250 examples of the 4178 were produced in yellow gold, further highlighting the rarity of such a visually beautiful timepiece. The low production volume becomes even more impressive since the watch did not leave the Vacheron catalog until 1964.

While the yellow gold case has taken on the elegant patina and oxidation of time, it's preserved in outstanding condition and would be at home in the most discerning of collections.