1950s Vacheron Constantin Historique Chronograph 18k Yellow Gold Silvered Dial 4178 with Box

This is an exceptionally well-preserved and very rare 18k yellow gold Circa 1950s Vacheron Constantin "Historique Chronograph" dress watch reference 4178, featuring a fantastic aged silvered dial with both applied arrow baton indexes and Arabic numerals at 12 and 6. This fantastic example comes with its original bracelet, original 18k yellow gold pin buckle and Original Vacheron Constantin leather box. 

The 1950s Vacheron Constantin Chronograph reference 4178 is widely regarded as one of the maison’s most iconic and beautifully executed vintage chronographs. Crafted in 18k yellow gold, the case is distinguished by its elegant teardrop lugs—an immediately recognizable hallmark of this reference—paired with harmonious mid-century proportions. The silvered dial presents a classic two-register chronograph layout, featuring a tachymeter scale at the periphery and finely detailed subdials that highlight Vacheron’s commitment to balance and legibility. Inside beats the manually wound caliber 492, a robust and meticulously finished movement that underlines the watch’s technical excellence. Produced in relatively small numbers, the 4178 combines mechanical sophistication with timeless aesthetics, making it one of the most collectible vintage chronographs of its era and a shining example of Vacheron Constantin’s artistry in the golden age of watchmaking.

The watch is in excellent condition, showing only light signs of wear or minor scratches, which are to be expected for a piece of its age. All our watches are thoroughly inspected by our expert watchmaker and come with a 3 months guarantee. However, since this particular piece has been fully serviced, it includes a 1-year mechanical guarantee.