Vacheron Constantin - Les Collectionneurs Vintage 1948 4178 Hand-Wound Chronograph 36mm 18-Karat Gold and Leather Watch, Ref. No. VMX12J3283

First designed in the late 1930s, Vacheron Constantin's reference 4178 chronograph was produced until the 1970s in various forms, and is generally acknowledged as the maison's most famous chronograph reference. This 1948 example has a 36mm 18-karat gold case housing a two-tone silvered dial with Arabic numerals and rare 'cabochon' indexes (baton markers being slightly more common). It has both tachymeter and telemeter scales inked around the edge of the dial, and the widely-spaced, modest subdials common to chronographs of this era. It is powered by the hand-wound V492 calibre, a 13-ligne chronograph movement based on the Valjoux 23. The case is in excellent condition, and notable for its 'spider' lugs. Carefully selected by the Heritage Department and restored according to the rules of the art within the Manufacture, these watches dating from the 20th century are now part of the collection: "Les Collectionneurs". We offer a two-year warranty for all working parts and manufacturing faults for luxury watches. For more information, contact one of our experts by emailing watches@mrporter.com

60% 18Kt Yellow Gold 40% Leather