Vacheron & Constantin Chronograph Reference 4178

Technical characteristics

Type

Chronograph

Maker

Vacheron & Constantin

Movement

Caliber 13''' 434

Reference

4178

Jewel Count

19

Case Diameter

35 mm

Case Material

18K pink gold

Place recorded

Switzerland

Maker / attribution

Vacheron & Constantin

Year of Manufacture

1942

Design

Visible features

• Distinctive flared lugs consistent with reference 4178 design • Two-tone silver dial finish with applied pink gold indices • Square-shaped chronograph push buttons • Integrated telemeter and tachometer scale markers

Case and Dial Design

The watch is presented in an 18K pink gold three-body case characterized by a polished and brushed finish. Its construction includes a rounded band and specific fancy flared lugs, which serve as the primary visual identifier for the reference 4178 chronograph. The watch retains square chronograph pushers positioned on the right side of the case, flanking the winding crown. The dial is executed in a two-tone silver aesthetic featuring applied pink gold baton-style markers interspersed with Arabic numerals at the primary cardinal positions. The central display includes two subsidiary dials for 30-minute registration and constant seconds. The periphery of the dial integrates both a telemeter scale and a tachometer, read via the central chronograph hand and the hour/minute hands fashioned in a matching pink gold baton style.

Movement and Escapement

The timepiece is powered by the Vacheron & Constantin caliber 13''' 434 manual-winding movement. The caliber is finished with rhodium plating and features traditional fausses-côtes decoration across the bridges. Technical specifications include a straight-line lever escapement and a frequency regulated by a beryllium balance wheel fitted with timing screws. The balance assembly utilizes a self-compensating Breguet balance spring and is adjusted to temperature to maintain precision. The movement comprises 19 jewels and, according to the provided auction reports, the watch currently requires a professional overhaul to ensure proper function, as the movement condition was noted as a 3* grade by the cataloguer.

Signatures and Documentation

The watch is signed across the dial, case, and movement, confirming its identity and assembly under the Vacheron & Constantin manufacture. The watch is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity, which provides formal documentation for the item. The watch is further equipped with an 18K pink gold buckle bearing the brand signature. The lot is identified by the number 140 within the auction catalogue and shares reference 4178, a model recognized for its specific aesthetic proportions. The individual serial numbers for the movement and case are recorded respectively as 431343 and 278151.

Identification

Reference

4178

Serial number

278151

Source note

Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.

Catalogue references

No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.