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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Chronograph wristwatch

Vacheron & Constantin Chronograph Reference 4178

Partially verified

This Vacheron & Constantin gentleman's chronograph, reference 4178, was manufactured in 1942 and features an 18K pink gold case. Housed within the three-body, solid case is the caliber 13''' 434 manual-winding movement. The rhodium-plated movement incorporates 19 jewels and a straight-line lever escapement, featuring a beryllium balance with timing screws and a self-compensating Breguet balance spring. The dial is a two-tone silver arrangement equipped with applied pink gold baton indexes and Arabic numerals at the 6 and 12 o'clock positions. The watch displays subsidiary seconds and a 30-minute register, complemented by outer telemeter and tachometer scales. It is signed on the dial, case, and movement and includes a matching pink gold Vacheron Constantin buckle and a certificate of authenticity.

Front view and perspective view of the Vacheron & Constantin reference 4178, showcasing the two-tone dial and flared lugs.
Front view and perspective view of the Vacheron & Constantin reference 4178, showcasing the two-tone dial and flared lugs. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Chronograph wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Vacheron & Constantin
Reference
4178
Catalogue / lot identifier
140
Source-reported date
1942
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
278151

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

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “Three-body, solid, polished and brushed, rounded band, fancy flared lugs.”
  • “The flared lugs of Ref. 4178 are one of the unique characteristics of Vacheron Constantin chronographs.”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. 13??? 434, rhodium-plated, "fausses-côtes" decoration, 19jewels”
  • “straight line lever escapement, beryllium balance with timing screws, adjusted to temperature, self-compensatingBreguet balance-spring.”
  • “Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense”

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.

Evidence for this section
  • “Dial, case and movement signed.”
  • “Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.”
  • “with pink gold Vacheron Constantin buckle.”

Open research questions

  • Does the movement serial number 431343 correspond to the 1942 production date listed for the case serial 278151?
  • Are there variations in the tachometer scale calibration across other surviving examples of reference 4178?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Vacheron & Constantin Chronograph Reference 4178
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerVacheron & Constantin“Vacheron & Constantin, Genève”
Reference4178“Ref. 4178”
Case Material18K pink gold“18K pink gold gentleman?s wristwatch”
MovementCaliber 13''' 434“Cal. 13??? 434”
Jewel Count19“19jewels”
Case Diameter35 mm“Diam. 35 mm”
Year of Manufacture1942“Made in 1942.”

Visible details

  • 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

Research qualifications

  • Condition grading is an auction house assessment and may not reflect current operational status
  • Requires professional servicing according to the provided documentation

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

Consulted source

Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, No. 431343, case No. 278151, Ref. 4178. Made in 1942. Very fine and rare, 18K pink gold gentleman's wristwatch with square button chronograph, register, tachometer and two-tone dial, with pink gold Vacheron Constantin buckle. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 3e8644f351

Terms in this record

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

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