139 Vacheron Constantin Rare and Attractive, Chronograph Wristwatch in Pink-gold, With Pink Dial and Pulsation Scale, Reference 4178

Estimate: €25,000 –⁠ 50,000

Model: Chronograph
Reference: 4178
Case Material: Pink Gold
Bracelet Material: Pink Gold
Year: 1940s
Movement: Manual
Caliber: 492
Case N°: 321 171
Movement N°: 466 618
Dimensions: 36 m
Signed: Dial, movement and case

Immediately recognizable thanks to its gorgeous and inimitable teardrop lugs, the 4178 is also considered one of the most beautiful chronograph watches ever made by Vacheron Constantin powered by the caliber 492. Launched in 1940 and in production until 1964, Vacheron Constantin’s reference 4178 was designed to measure short periods of time, such as pulsations, or for events captured by tachymeter and telemeter scales. It existed with oval-shaped chronograph buttons or with the better known, rectangular variant, the bezel was either beveled or flat. The present example has a three bodies pink-gold case with snap on back, rounded band and square pushers preserved in great conditions with sharp edges. It impresses even more thanks to the highly attractive pink dial, beautifully harmonizing with the rare pink gold case with the elegant teardrop lugs. During its production, the reference 4178, like with the present lot, housed two different chronograph calibers: V492 and V434. Research shows us that only few examples of the reference 4178 in pink-gold housing caliber 492 were made, making the preset specimen an absolute gem for the numerous rare details it has.