Technical Details & Model History

• Case: 18kt yellow gold, approx. 36 mm diameter
• Movement: manual winding, Vacheron Constantin caliber 492
• Dial: original two-tone, indelible, with pulsometer scale and applied indexes
• Crystal: plexiglass, classic rectangular chronograph pushers
• Reference: 4178
• Year of production: 1940s–1950s
• Strap: brown alligator with original gold buckle
• Condition: excellent, indelible dial and all original components

Key Features

• Pulsometer scale on the dial, rare and highly desirable among ref. 4178 models
• Distinctive “teardrop” (or fan-shaped) lugs that define the ref. 4178
• Finely finished movement, classic column-wheel chronograph from Vacheron Constantin
• Classic proportions and elegant design blending vintage dress and sport chronograph aesthetics

Historical Context

Produced by Vacheron Constantin between 1940 and 1964, reference 4178 is considered an icon among vintage chronographs for its perfectly balanced design, elegantly shaped lugs, and classic complications. An example with an original dial and pulsometer scale adds historical significance and authentic appeal to the piece.