Vintage
CL initiates a critical discussion around a Vacheron Constantin 4178, inviting expert opinions on its condition and market appeal. This post serves as a valuable case study for vintage watch authentication, highlighting the complexities of assessing originality, restoration, and value. The ensuing debate underscores the importance of meticulous inspection and informed decision-making in vintage collecting.
Assuming cash funding is in place and you enjoy the model, the only reason not to would be a different watch that you enjoy more. It's not another vintage Daytona, and thank God or gods for that. Questions to ask: Have you worn a 4178? Does the size work for you? Are you rough on watches or otherwise of a user profile that doesn't fit the limits of vintage? Some of those movement parts clearly have led a hard life, and a few might have been recruited from less finished versions of this caliber,
patek 2526, ref96, Vintage Grand Seiko... so size wise, it does fit. When I had Dufour simplicities, I had both 37mm and 34mm which I preferred the latter. I ordered a 38mm Kari Observatoir and I sold it right away because it felt big while a 38mm Journe tourbillon and 39mm Credor Eichi feels right. So , I think sometimes the diameter can be very deceiving and you are correct that I should at least try the 4178 on my wrist which I hadn't.
Some "small" watches might look surprisingly big because of their thickness and, conversely, some "large" watches might look surprisingly small on the wrist. The worst watches, as far as I am concerned/ not my cup of tea, are watches that have both a large diameter and a hefty thickness... Bezels, their shape and width can also strongly influence the size and the impression made by a watch. So do colours naturally.
From my experience, if the watch is large but flat, it will look bigger than it is. 40mm Journe feels that way. But when it is thicker, it feels ok. The new 42mm Journe tourbillon falls in that category. Lugs and bezel also play a big part. A 34mm Simplicity looks perfect on my wrist while a 36mm Lange 1815 feels too small. 37mm Simplicity feels borderline big but a 40mm Patek 5970G feels perfect. Basically a dark dial makes a watch feels bigger while a colored or dark dial makes it feel smaller
Perhaps the listing price is just too high to justify purchase knowing that significant restoration work will likely be required.
that the movement has issues? Is it because it looks old. If so, that can be serviced. I'm not familiar with Vacheron servicing. Is it on par with Patek in term of price wise or a lot more expensive?
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