1950s Vacheron Constantin "Calatrava" 18ct Gold 34mm 4217
Ref: 4217
Specification
Lugs : 20mm
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box & Papers : None
Case Material : 18ct Yellow Gold
Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
Points of Mention
This watch is sold “Watch Only” and therefore without its original box or paperwork. The watch comes paired with a well-suited 20mm leather strap. The watch is from Circa. 1950s and is sold in worn vintage condition, but overall very fair condition for its age, with a beautiful original dial and sharp 18ct yellow gold case; the “LD” case back engraving can be removed on request, as you can see from the photographs. The watch comes with our 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty.
For more photos see here - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hrdAmtKJZ_kgRbq7WvIDIl6qdiZngB0X?usp=drive_link
4K YouTube video, skip to 6:59 - https://youtu.be/_GNA2qNUNwE
The Watch
Here we have a beautiful 1950s Vacheron Constantin "Calatrava" Cal. 454/5B with a curvaceous 34mm 18ct Yellow Gold case, slender tapered lugs, a gentle curve of the flanks leading to a lug-to-lug length of 40.5mm and a case thickness of just 9mm ensure a comfortable fit and a classic profile. On the right side is a yellow Gold crown. A thin, smooth bezel holds a domed crystal above a cream “Calatrava” dial; an outer minute track precisely executed surrounds applied facet baton indexes mark the hours; slender stick hands are complemented by a tapered second hand and at noon, we have the Vacheron & Constantin motif completing this beautifully crafted dress watch. On the reverse is an 18ct yellow gold solid case back with “LD” engraved and stamped on the inside with its relevant hallmarks, inside a manually wound Vacheron Cal. P454/5B, 17 jewels, beating at a leisurely 18,000 beats per hour. The watch comes paired with a well-suited 20mm leather strap.
Personal Note
Some watches are grossly underrated and undervalued, and this Vacheron Constantin, reference 4217, is exactly one of them. Featuring a perfect dial with beautiful indices, housed in a crisp 18ct yellow gold 34mm Case featuring subtle gold burn in some places and powered by the Calibre 454/5B, this truly is art on the wrist. It has been great to see the resurgence of gold dress watches, and I really do believe we are still in the early days of this appreciation. I would not hesitate to add this vintage gem to your collection today!
The Brand
Born in Geneva, Jean-Marc Vacheron was the youngest of a master weaver’s five sons. Jean-Marc Vacheron created his watchmaking workshop at the age of 24. The company was founded on September 17, 1755. This makes it the world's oldest watch manufacturer in continuous operation. In 1810, Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron took over the business. His impact on the company saw Vacheron enter the world of great watchmakers. At that time, his workshop began making intricate and ever more complicated pieces, such as musical watches that played two melodies. Commercially, the company soon developed and expanded beyond Switzerland’s borders, first in neighbouring France and then in Italy. In 1819 François Constantin met with Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron. Both men came from Geneva, sharing a passion for stylish and complicated watches. The "Vacheron et Constantin" company was soon to be created. The American watch industry became evermore a threat, therefore Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron decided to hand his business to his son in 1844. Charles-César Vacheron designed an efficient process for the factory and moved the business into new markets such as China, Spain, India and Cuba. 1906 saw the grand opening of the first Vacheron Constantin Boutique in Geneva. The great-grandnephew of François Constantin joined the business in 1914 after completing his studies at the École d'Horlogerie de Genève. During this time, the First World War broke out, and he was conscripted and sent to the northern border. Vacheron Constantin's models have been appreciated and worn by the Faruk of Egypt, the Shah of Iran and the Duke of Windsor, amongst many other famous characters over the years. In 1955, Vacheron Constantin celebrated its bi-centenary and, on this occasion, introduced the world’s thinnest watch movement, which was 1,64mm. Vacheron Constantin became the first watchmaking company to collect the rare and highly desirable “Diplôme Prestige de la France”, which recognised their talent in craftsmanship and design in 1972. A new production facility was built in Plan-Les-Ouates, Geneva, as well as a renovation of the brand’s historical headquarters, now known as the “Maison Vacheron Constantin”. 2005 Vacheron Constantin celebrated its 250th anniversary.