164 Vacheron Constantin Fascinating and Attractive, Round Shaped Chronograph Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, With Fancy Lugs, Reference 4178

Estimate: €10,000 –⁠ 20,000

Model: Chronograph
Reference: 4178
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1950s
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: 434
Case N°: 278171
Movement N°: 431410
Dimensions: 36 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement

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 body yellow-gold case with snap on back, rounded band and square pushers in great conditions with sharp edges. The two-tone silver dial presents baton indexes and Roman numerals, subsidiary seconds and 30-minute register dials spreading a big charm.