Vacheron Constantin. A Fine 18k Gold Chronograph Wristwatch with Fancy Lugs and Pulsation Dial

Reference 4178, one of Vacheron Constantin's landmark chronograph models, was in production from 1938 until the early 1970s. It existed with oval-shaped chronograph buttons or with the better known rectangular variant, the bezel was either beveled or flat.

This watch is a particularly fine example of the celebrated reference 4178, impressing with the highly attractive silvered dial, beautifully harmonizing with the gold case with the elegant teardrop lugs. This example stands out amongst other chronographs of the time with its pulsation scale on the outer edge of the dial.

For other Vacheron Constantin chronograph models from the 1940s, designed to measure short periods of time, such as pulsations, or for events captured by tachymeter and telemeter scales, see Secrets of Vacheron Constantin by Franco Cologni, p. 238.