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Vacheron Constantin Chronograph ref. 4072 in 18k Rose Gold Cream dial with Extract of the Archives, 1945 — view 1 of 6
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Wristwatches · Wristwatch

Vacheron Constantin Chronograph ref. 4072 in 18k Rose Gold Cream dial with Extract of the Archives, 1945

DocumentedDocumented from a dealer's listing; attribution and date as stated by the dealer.
Maker / attribution
Vacheron Constantin (maker)
Date
1945
Country of origin
Switzerland
Object type
Wristwatch
Materials / technique
18k rose gold
Dimensions
Case 34.5 mm
Stock no.
W-3495
Credit line
Dealer listing, Bulang & Sons (W-3495)
Catalogue title (original)
Vacheron Constantin Chronograph ref. 4072 in 18k Rose Gold Cream dial with Extract of the Archives (English)

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Record summary

Catalogued by Bulang & Sons (dealer), Copenhagen (stock number W-3495), this is a wristwatch by Vacheron Constantin, made in Switzerland, dated 1945. The Atlas places it in the Modern Mechanical Horology period (1945 – 1969) of its Wristwatches collection. Materials and techniques recorded by the source: 18k rose gold. Recorded dimensions: Case 34.5 mm. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.

Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.

Catalogue description

Dealer description — Bulang & Sons

Vacheron Constantin stands among the oldest and most storied watchmakers in continuous operation, with origins reaching back to 1755. Its founder, Jean-Marc Vacheron, was part of Geneva’s esteemed circle of cabinotiers — artisans renowned for crafting intricate watch components by hand. The company’s partnership with François Constantin marked the beginning of a new era, one that solidified the brand’s reputation for exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to the traditional decorative arts of watchmaking, including enamelling, engraving, skeletonisation, and guilloché. Vacheron Constantin’s mid-century chronographs occupy a special place in the hearts of collectors, celebrated for their refined design and uncompromising craftsmanship. Among them, the reference 4072 stands out as one of the brand’s most emblematic and desirable vintage chronographs. Introduced in 1938 and remaining in production until the early 1970s, the model evolved subtly over the decades. Within this single reference lie numerous variations — differences in case material, dial configuration, and pusher design — each reflecting the quiet versatility and enduring elegance of Vacheron Constantin’s approach to chronograph making. The watch at hand is an 18K rose gold example measuring 34.5 mm, distinguished by its distinctive square chronograph pushers. The case remains in excellent condition, featuring a snap-back case back. The cream-colored dial displays two sub dials for the chronograph functions, a mileage scale, and elegant applied hour markers with Roman numerals at 6 and 12. It is paired with a fine leather strap and a rare and cool 18K rose gold Vacheron Constantin pin buckle. This fine chronograph is accompanied by a Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives, confirming a manufacture date of 1945. The watch and its hand-wound caliber 13-434 have been fully serviced. If you’re searching for a truly classic chronograph with elegant, understated lines from one of the Holy Trinity of watchmaking — look no further! Specifications: . - Vacheron Constantin Reference 4072 chronograph 34.5 mm 18k Rose gold case with a snap -back and square pushers Movement no 437xx / case no 289xxx Dating to the 1945 Cream dial with two chronograph sub dials , mileage scale , applied markers VC Cal.13-434 manual wound movement Comes on a Bulang and Sons leather strap with an 18 k gold VC pin buckle Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives, confirming a manufacture date of 1945. Fully serviced by our watchmaker

Historical context

Modern Mechanical Horology (1945 – 1969)

Tool watches for divers, pilots and astronauts; electric watches anticipate the electronic age.

The classic era of the mechanical wristwatch: dive watches, chronographs for motor racing and space flight, GMT watches for jet travel, slim dress watches, automatic calendars, and the rise of Japanese manufacturers alongside Swiss, American, German and Soviet industries.

Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Golden Age of Mechanical Watchmaking

Atlas type guide

Chronographs and split-seconds watches

A chronograph is a watch with an additional seconds hand that can be started, stopped and returned to zero independently of the timekeeping. Louis Moinet built an early example in 1816 and Nicolas Rieussec a recording 'chronographe' in 1821; Adolphe Nicole's heart-shaped reset cam (patented 1862) made the modern return-to-zero possible. Split-seconds (rattrapante) chronographs add a second hand that can be stopped for intermediate times; flyback chronographs restart instantly.

Chronographs were essential tools for doctors (pulsometer scales), artillery (telemeter), engineers and sport. In wristwatches, Valjoux, Venus, Lemania and later the automatic chronographs of 1969 (Zenith El Primero, the Chronomatic Calibre 11 group and Seiko 6139) are milestones.

What to look for

  • Push-pieces on the case band or a single button in the crown (monopusher).
  • Subsidiary registers for minutes and hours; tachymeter, telemeter or pulsometer scales.
  • Column wheel versus cam control visible in the movement.
  • Calibre markings of specialist makers (Valjoux, Lemania, Venus, Landeron).

Dating clues

  • Pocket chronographs with heart cam reset: after 1862.
  • Wrist chronographs: from c. 1910; two-button designs from the 1930s.
  • Automatic chronographs: from 1969.

General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.

Read next:Flyback chronographChronograph

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