• cal. 13'' - 492 manual winding lever movement, stamped with the Seal of Geneva, 19 jewels • silvered dial, applied Roman numerals and baton indexes, subsidiary dials for constant seconds and 30-minute register, outer tachymeter and telemeter scales, yellow gold hour and minute hands, blued steel seconds and chronograph hands • 18k yellow gold case, rectangular chronograph pushers to the band, teardrop lugs, snap-on back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold Vacheron Constantin buckle 

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The dial shows signs of aging with light spotting throughout and it has been restored. The case is in good condition given the age of the watch but it has surface scratches throughout. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion. ***Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to shipping. ***
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Accompanied by a Vacheron Constantin certificate of authenticity.  The reference 4178 is one of the best known Vacheron Constantin chronographs among collectors. Its design with the teardrop lugs and rectangular chronograph pushers makes it an ideal dress watch. 

Production started in 1940 and continued until approximately 1964, with this example having been produced in 1948. The reference was made in yellow gold, pink gold, stainless steel and steel and gold.