What we already know - Retrospection

May 14, 2019,11:59 AM
 

Article from "The Hour Louge" - The Vacheron Constantin Discussion Forum
"...

The calendar is like the air we breathe, it surrounds us, it rhythms our lives, but we don’t really pay any attention to it.

...

Quantum Leap: History of Vacheron Constantin Calendar Watches Part 2
Alex Ghotbi
November 15, 11 16:11

As As seen in Part 1 Vacheron Constantin embraced  full calendar wrist watch quite early on (in 1929) but few models were made prior to the 40s. However the brand switched to turbo mode in the early 40s with the launch of the ref 4240 which with the subsequent variants became over time an icon.
 
Ref 4240
Launched in 1942, ref 4240 came in different case and dial variations. The 35mm case is 3 part stepped with claw lugs, day and month are indicated via apertures and the date via a central hand. Ref 4240 was produced in yellow or rose gold case and in a rarer two tone case either in steel with rose gold lugs or steel with yellow gold lugs. Used calibres 485.



Ref 4240L
Same model as ref 4240 but with moonphase indication, which explains the L (for Lune which means moon in French). The 35mm case was available in yellow gold or steel. Used calibre 495.



Ref 4241
Also launched in 1942 reference 4241 has the exact same indications as ref 4241 but with a slightly larger case:35.5mm and tear drop lugs. The watch was made in yellow gold, rose gold and steel. A special version of this reference was also made with hooded bar lugs.



...

Ref 4385
Launched in 1945, this reference has the same case as ref 4241 but with an integrated Milanese bracelet and no lugs. This model was made in either yellow or rose gold and housed calibre 485.




...

Ref 4461
Launched in 1947 ref 4461 has a beautiful case with amazing horn shaped lugs. The 33.7 mm case is smaller than the 4240L with which it shares all the functions. This watch was made in yellow and rose gold.



Ref 4462
With the now habitual dial configuration, ref 4462 was launched in 1948 and with an even smaller case measuring a mere 32.5mm. This watch was made in yellow and rose gold.


Ref 4560
Launched in 1949, ref 4560 came with or without moonphase. Vacheron Constantin returned to a larger case size at 35.5mm and extremely detailed lugs. This watch was made in yellow and rose gold.


 
Ref 4623
Launched in 1950 the case seems flattened out with its bevelled bezel and horn shaped lugs directly placed on said bezel. The 32.5mm case came in yellow and rose gold.


Ref 4764
Launched in 1952 this watch also known under its nickname Cioccolatone (named as such by the Italian collectors due to its resemblance to a piece of chocolate) was huge (to the standards of the time) with its 36mm x 43mm. Made in yellow gold and some rare models in pink gold with the occasional and exceptionally rare platinum case, housing cal 495.




...

Ref 4293
A triple date with moonphase indication minute repeater ref 4293, the movement was made in 1943 but only cased in a rather large (for the time) 38mm rose gold case, and sold in 1957. According to Vacheron Constantin archives two models were to be made but only one actually left the ateliers.




More posts: Calibres

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Quatum Leap (II) - The Vacheron & Constantin ref 4240 / 4241 Calendar Watches

 
 By: anon438 : May 13th, 2019-22:52
Hi Student, Since it is another topic I prefer to start a new thread. (below in pink V&C ref 4241) ...  

and another with cornu d'vache lugs

 
 By: watch-guy.com : May 13th, 2019-23:09
...  

nice [nt]

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 13th, 2019-23:32

an interesting question

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 13th, 2019-23:35
VC few published the production of one type movement or reference . For example, the Chronometre Royal with caliber1007&1008. In 1942, the VC produced Ref. 4240, triple calendar, using caliber 455 . Then caliber 485, 495 were produced, with models 4240,42... 

The Production Figures

 
 By: anon438 : May 14th, 2019-12:37
As far as I know there was little published yet about production figures and as you may remember from the V&C Chronographs from that period, there were many variants and each variant with different numbers. Variants of cases, of lugs, of dials, of mov... 

I know it's hard to find an answer to this question.

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 14th, 2019-18:08
.may be total for them is less than 2000 pieces, so less 200 pieces per year . at that time, the VC output of all watches was 5,000 per year.

The Production Figures II

 
 By: anon438 : May 14th, 2019-20:33
I think to get a better understanding of the production figures, you have to look closely at the V&C Chronograph watches of that time. Why? Because they have been in a very close price bracket. And you should think about, if they would have been sold bett...  

Your sharing always brings surprises.

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 15th, 2019-00:59
The price marked in example, I can understand line 3. It's 18kyg and 18kpg. line1 mean for steel case ? the letters:heures,couronne,anses. can you tell me what are the three words mean for. thank you.

Variant Description 4241 and 4240 calendar in the price sheet

 
 By: anon438 : May 15th, 2019-02:47
Acier inoxydable, heures or, couronne or -> stainless steel ( link ), hour indices (hour markers) gold, crown gold (for 4241 and 4240) Acier inoxydable, anses or -> stainless steel, lugs gold (for 4240 only) Or 18 ct jaune ou rouge -> yellow gold 18K or r... 

thank you

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 15th, 2019-04:03


Huh? what is going on with the 4444!?

 
 By: LS : May 15th, 2019-05:37
was there really a watch that retailed for 17,325 CHF in 1949?! I can't find any pictures of this ref on google.

Vacheron & Constantin ref 4444 - The Beast

 
 By: anon438 : May 15th, 2019-10:58
I guess you have seen it. ...  

What we already know - Retrospection

 
 By: anon438 : May 14th, 2019-11:59
Article from "The Hour Louge" - The Vacheron Constantin Discussion Forum "... The calendar is like the air we breathe, it surrounds us, it rhythms our lives, but we don’t really pay any attention to it. ... Quantum Leap: History of Vacheron Constantin Cal...  

Thank you for your sharing.

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 14th, 2019-17:51
I've read this article carefully before, but unfortunately I haven't saved it (because THL is closed). Now I reading it, there is a feeling of reunion between old friends.

new arrival

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 19th, 2019-06:57
,18kyg ...  

What means new arrival

 
 By: anon438 : May 19th, 2019-10:22
Tell me some more about the watch. Do you have more pictures?

sure

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 19th, 2019-14:26
its a nice one for me, original dial with patinas. caliber 485,movement ,case i think its made in early 1950s,maybe in 1950. ...  

I usually enjoy some wabi also

 
 By: anon438 : May 20th, 2019-02:58
Most of that calendars have some issue with the dial. Try to do some pictures with natural light at lunch time, a even better outcome would maybe achieved. Do you have pictures of the inside also? The numbers and the caliber would put the watch to the lat... 

more pictures

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 20th, 2019-03:28
...  

Tell me more about the watch, was it the same source or where this watch come from?

 
 By: anon438 : May 20th, 2019-11:47
The movement seem to have been well cared for that age, probably compelete overhoul.

i got it from my friend

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 20th, 2019-17:46
a chinese vintage watches collector。

My recommendation for you would be

 
 By: anon438 : May 21st, 2019-01:58
Take some sharp and high resolution photos from inside and outside of the watch with natural light and afterwards return the watch to your friend. Tell him you need some time to decide, your wife make troubles – whatever. If he is a friend, he should acce... 

please tell me your advice about the vc

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 21st, 2019-02:15
maybe i cannot return it . the pictures take by myself.

I need better pictures, I don't like to guess something

 
 By: anon438 : May 21st, 2019-03:23
The authentication isn't instandly done, it needs some time. To do so, I need to see high resolution pictures. So first start to do better photos, with as much natural light as possible (window to outside at lunch time), good camera... Did you try to retu... 

i will provide high definition pictures.

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 21st, 2019-04:52
This watch was bought by my friend from Japan auction. I don't think the watch with a problem. I see you are an expert in vintage vc. Your suggestions are valuable. I will study it carefully in the future. But I bought this watch only after I saw it , so ... 

I'm not that fast with my final quote.

 
 By: anon438 : May 21st, 2019-12:11
But we will see.

Good News

 
 By: anon438 : May 25th, 2019-09:07
Hello student, I checked some more data and tried to exploit the photos you sent. Now I'm quite confident it is authentic , because I could spot another ref 4240 with identical dial (print and hour markers) and very close numbers, the watch I found was re... 

its a good news [nt]

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 25th, 2019-14:42

I just saw your message

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 27th, 2019-21:31
Last Saturday, I went to Beijing and visited VC's China Antique pocket watches and Watches Tour official maintenance technician identified the watch. The dial was original and there was no problem. My photography skills are so poor that I no longer provi... 

I'm right.

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 27th, 2019-21:45
Referring to the screenshot, the exhibition number is the same, 12100. The official internal information was wrong at first, and then corrected correctly.

screenshots

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 27th, 2019-21:48
...  

It's hard to check with the pictures I saw initially

 
 By: anon438 : May 27th, 2019-23:24
Therefore I gave you the knoledge how to differnciate the two ref's 4240 / 4241: Look at the pushers! And you were right from the very beginning, congratulations. Did they also raise the price? The 4241 in steel is the rarest calendar version.

The price of steel ref.4241 is about $35,000.

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 27th, 2019-23:57
One of my most interesting exhibition watches is Ref. 4072, a nearly perfect case and dial. Enamel letters. I think my understanding of vintage VC has not reached a certain level. So I won't purchase for vintage VC chronograph in next 2 years. Accumulate ... 

Good to see that better pictures

 
 By: anon438 : May 29th, 2019-22:42
That's a quite good example for, which high impact the quality of photos have on sensation and impression. Link Compare to the photos shown initially, you could even think it's a different watch, but no it isn't. ...  

Thats also a very good sample to illustrate

 
 By: anon438 : May 29th, 2019-23:23
The extraordinary abilities of Vacheron Constantin in treating Vintage carefully. ...  

thank you for sharing

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 30th, 2019-02:59
You re-edit and analyze the photos, which is convenient for everyone to learn. I'm surprised that you can find the website of China. Are you proficient in Chinese? vc's renovation of antique watches is amazing.

You Mean Chinese Language - Mandarin

 
 By: anon438 : May 30th, 2019-04:12
No, not yet proficient.

i guess your chinese is much more better than my english.

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 30th, 2019-04:31
Are you German or Chinese?

I would wish to speak better Chinese than your English

 
 By: anon438 : May 30th, 2019-04:42
I'm German. My knowledge is more basic, more like some common knowledge about Chinese living culture like food or tea, art, religion, literature, sport, history and stuff like that. As well I do like to let tailor my suits at A Man Hing Cheong (one of the... 

good

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 30th, 2019-05:02
We have many hobbies in common. The antique VC is one of them. I'm obsessed with ancient Chinese history (from the 4th to 6th centuries ). At the same time, there is a certain understanding of Buddhist sculptures in this period. We may have more similar t... 

But your Avatar isn't a Chinese Buddha

 
 By: anon438 : May 30th, 2019-05:10
I've only basic understanding of Buddhist teachings. You are Chinese National or American Chinese? ...  

the picture take by myself

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 30th, 2019-05:30
It is truly a Buddhist sculpture of the 5th century in China. Combining various artistic styles, can you see the style of Indian Buddhist sculpture? It is called "Qingzhou Style". If you come to Shandong Province of China, you can feel its beauty on the s... 

it's a very small picture

 
 By: anon438 : May 30th, 2019-05:32
I would have guessed it's Pala - Indian. But yours is Chinese and lime stone, they are phantastic art. According to the posture of hands (indian mudra) they have had a certain meaning mostly corresponding to Buddhas life (or former life) story.

北齐

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 30th, 2019-06:17
It's 200 years earlier. At that time there was later gupta dynasty. ...  

i am chinese national [nt]

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 30th, 2019-16:15

new arrival means

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 19th, 2019-15:21
i get it recently.

Congratulation

 
 By: anon438 : May 20th, 2019-02:48
I'm quite convinced it will please you, those calendars are of such marvelous beauty.

THL - Alex Ghotbi : My vintage triple date 4240 disaster story (re-post)

 
 By: anon438 : August 23rd, 2019-04:22
My vintage triple date 4240 disaster story November 26, 07 15:04 by Alex Ghotbi The Hour Lounge – The Vacheron Constantin Discussion Forum [pictures and links removed by TIMESET] JohnLy's post about his beautiful triple date model got me thinking of my st...  

thank you for reminding me

 
 By: teacher Sun : August 23rd, 2019-06:23
The ref. 4240 I bought isnot good enough. I don't think the second sale will lose money.

Don't be silly with your calendar.

 
 By: anon438 : August 23rd, 2019-06:47
It's a Vacheron & Constantin, a Vacheron & Constantin will never go out of style. Think about the wabi of yours. If you like to have a pristine one, buy a new one or if you like to have a vintage one but pristine condition, probably the only one way is by... 

i think that

 
 By: teacher Sun : August 23rd, 2019-14:00
Close to perfection is the most perfect thing. It will make you feel a little pity, but reluctant to part. I will look for better antique VC, especially triple calendar. This will be my own collection.

At the moment it seems already to be it's quite difficult to find...

 
 By: anon438 : August 24th, 2019-02:38
...one of those calendars (ref 4240, 4240L or ref 4241 4241L or ref 4385 or even one of those ref 4461 or 4462 or 4560 or 4623 or maybe even the ref 4764) in unmolested state. The values for 'very good - good' ones easily triple those for average watches ... 

I really think yours is a better sample of those 4240 calendars

 
 By: anon438 : August 25th, 2019-01:41
I've seen many many of them and my summary would be, yours wabi is very tolerable and pleasant. Beeing initially cautious was mainly because of the index configuration I haven't seen before and the not so good pictures from your side. But I found a dial v...  

thank you sharing the important informations.

 
 By: teacher Sun : August 25th, 2019-21:24
I have benefited a lot from your information and suggestions.