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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph

Vacheron & Constantin 18K gold manual wind chronograph wristwatch, Ref. 4072

Partially verified

This reference 4072 manual wind chronograph wristwatch by Vacheron & Constantin dates to circa 1945 according to the source. The timepiece is cased in 18K gold measuring 35mm in diameter, featuring a brushed and polished round case with downturned lugs, twin pushers flanking the winding crown, and a snap-on back numbered 365841. The champagne dial has applied faceted baton hour markers, Roman numerals at 6 and 12, an outer tachymeter scale, 1/5-second divisions, and twin sub-dials. The watch is powered by a 19-jewel Calibre V492 manual-wind column wheel chronograph movement numbered 470042, and is fitted on a black calfskin strap with an associated buckle.

Front view of the Vacheron & Constantin Reference 4072 chronograph wristwatch on a black strap
Front view of the Vacheron & Constantin Reference 4072 chronograph wristwatch on a black strap — Bonhams. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
www.the-saleroom.com
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph
Maker / attribution
Vacheron & Constantin
Reference
4072
Catalogue / lot identifier
104
Source-reported date
Circa 1945
Country
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
365841

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Reference and Production Context

The timepiece is identified as a reference 4072, a model first introduced by Vacheron & Constantin in 1938. According to the source, this specific example corresponds to an earlier production period, resulting in a date of circa 1945.

The source states that it is believed 214 examples of this reference were produced in yellow gold featuring the calibre 492 movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “Reference: 4072”
  • “Date: Circa 1945”
  • “In production for over 30 years, the reference 4072 was first introduced in 1938.”
  • “It is believed that Vacheron Constantin produced just 214 examples in yellow gold with the calibre 492”

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in an 18K yellow gold case measuring 35mm. The design includes a brushed and polished round finish, downturned lugs, and a snap-on back. The winding crown is flanked by twin rectangular pushers.

The champagne dial features applied faceted baton hour markers, Roman numerals at 6 and 12, a black outer tachymeter scale, and 1/5-second divisions. The display includes sub-dials at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions for 30-minute recording and constant seconds, respectively. The hands consist of polished pointed batons and a blued steel center chronograph hand.

Evidence for this section
  • “Size: 35mm”
  • “Case: Brushed and polished round, snap on back, downturned lugs, crown flanked by twin pushers, No.365841”
  • “Dial: Champagne, applied faceted baton hour markers, Roman numeral 6 and 12, black outer 1/5 second divisions, outer tachymetre scale, subsidiary dials at 3 and 9 for 30-minute recording and constant seconds, polished pointed baton hands, blued steel centre chronograph hand”

Movement and Configuration

The watch is powered by a 19-jewel Cal.V492 manual-wind column wheel chronograph movement. The movement is recorded with the serial number 470042.

The watch is fitted with a black calfskin strap and an associated buckle. The case, dial, and movement are reported as signed.

Evidence for this section
  • “Movement: 19-jewel Cal.V492 manual wind, column wheel chronograph, No.470042”
  • “Strap/Bracelet: Black calf skin”
  • “Buckle/Clasp: Associated buckle”
  • “Signed: Case, dial & movement”

Open research questions

  • Verify the production window of reference 4072 serial numbers against official Vacheron & Constantin archives.
  • Clarify the distinction between 'associated' and period-correct buckles for this reference.

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vacheron & Constantin 18K gold manual wind chronograph wristwatch, Ref. 4072
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
Reference4072“Reference: 4072”
Case Number365841“No.365841”
Movement Number470042“No.470042”
Movement CalibreCal.V492“19-jewel Cal.V492 manual wind, column wheel chronograph”
Case Diameter35mm“Size: 35mm”
Case Material18K gold“fine 18K gold manual wind chronograph wristwatch”

Visible details

  • Warm champagne-toned dial exhibits noticeable mottled patina and localized spotting across the surface.
  • Dual chronograph sub-dials are symmetrically arranged at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions.
  • Round yellow gold case is fitted with rectangular chronograph pushers and attached to a smooth black leather strap.

Research qualifications

  • Movement condition, calibre markings, case back interior, and hallmarks cannot be independently verified from the single dial-side photograph.
  • Catalog explicitly notes the buckle is associated rather than original.

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

Vacheron & Constantin. A fine 18K gold manual wind chronograph wristwatchReference: 4072Date: Cir

Reviewed 2026-10-22 · Record 29ea22d19d

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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