Vacheron Constantin, Claw Lugs - Triple Calendar, 1946, 4240, Yellow Gold

€ 20.000 (excl. VAT)

A landmark in the history of complicated wristwatches, the Vacheron Constantin Reference 4240 represents the manufacture’s first serially produced calendar wristwatch, introduced in 1942. At a time when complicated wristwatches were still rare and often made only on special request, this model marked a turning point, bringing refined calendar functionality into regular production while maintaining the highest standards of Genevan craftsmanship.

The present example is housed in a beautifully executed 35 mm yellow-gold case featuring a finely fluted bezel and elegant claw lugs — hallmarks of the reference’s distinctive mid-century design. The sculptural interplay between polished and textured surfaces gives the watch a refined yet expressive character on the wrist. Preserved in excellent overall condition, the case retains sharp hallmarks, crisp edges, and strong original definition throughout.

The dial layout is a masterclass in balance and legibility. The day and month are displayed through twin apertures beneath 12 o’clock, while a slender gold hand indicates the time with understated elegance. A central arrow-tipped hand points to the date along a peripheral track, completing the full calendar display with clarity and charm. The restrained design and warm tones exemplify the timeless aesthetic that made the reference so admired in its era.

Powering the watch is a finely finished mechanical movement, reflecting Vacheron Constantin’s long-standing expertise in calendar complications and traditional watchmaking. The technical sophistication is seamlessly integrated into a design that remains elegant and wearable more than eight decades later.

So influential was the Reference 4240 that it served as the inspiration for Vacheron Constantin’s Historiques Triple Calendrier 1942, reissued in 2017 as a tribute to this very model — a testament to its enduring appeal and historical importance.

Key Features

• Model: Vacheron Constantin Triple Calendar | 1940s

• Reference: 4240

• 35 mm Yellow-Gold Case with Fluted Bezel and Claw Lugs

• Day and Month Apertures with Central Pointer Date

• Mechanical Calendar Movement

• Very Good Overall Condition
  

A cornerstone of vintage calendar wristwatches, the Vacheron Constantin Reference 4240 embodies the elegance, innovation, and craftsmanship that define the golden age of Swiss horology.