“Founded in 1755, Vacheron Constantin can legitimately claim to be the world’s oldest watch manufacturer in continuous operation, with more than 260 years of uninterrupted expertise and production.” – vacheron-constantin.com
 
Vacheron Constantin, the traditional Swiss luxury watch and clock manufacturer, is a highly regarded watch manufacturer. It has its origins in the circles of the Geneva Cabinotiers, founded in 1755 in Geneva by Jean-Marc Vacheron (an independent watchmaker in Geneva), they have produced watches to the highest standards. Since the beginning, Vacheron Constantin produced high-quality custom-made pocket watches for their customers, among them mostly nobles and royalty.
 
Manufacture d’Horlogerie
Vacheron & Constantin
Geneve
18K GOLD
 
If you are looking for a vintage timepiece from the “Holy Trinity” of watchmakers (Audemars Piquet, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin), but cannot find anything that wears large enough, or is visually striking enough, then CONGRATULATIONS!  Your search, my friend, is now over…
 
From the oldest continuously running horological house in Switzerland, Vacheron & Constantin, comes this truly breathtaking and bespoke vintage timepiece, it is a vintage Vacheron & Constantin bumper automatic wristwatch, reference 4466 and the serial number dates this watch from the early 1950s. Also, original box and papers!
 
This particular example is an absolute “must have” for any collector of truly upper vintage timepieces!  
 
It is a self-winding watch powered by a Vacheron & Constantin bumper automatic movement high grade caliber 477/1 – The first Vacheron & Constantin automatic movement with sweep second hand, introduced in 1951 and only produced for two years through 1952.
 
This bumper automatic movement uses a rotor which arcs backwards and forwards between the two bumper springs to wind the watch. The rotor is heavy with the purpose of increasing the efficiency of the auto winding mechanism. When the wrist moves the rotor moves too and you can feel and hear the rotor bouncing between the two bumper springs.
 
The movement features 17 jewels, sweep second hand, adjusted to temperatures, 18,800 A/h, Geneve – Swiss made. The Vacheron & Constantin high grade caliber 477/1 comes from the wily documented days of the Jaeger-LeCoultre and Vacheron & Constantin partnership, one of the alliances, the 477/1 is based on the caliber JLC 481.
 
On the other side of the movement, you will find still the original two-tone champagne dial (showing some aged and patina) featuring gold Arabic Numerals and hour markers, bold inner circle with the minute/second track. Gold matching hands and blue steel sweep second hand. The dial is also signed with the Vacheron & Constantin name/logo.
 
Large size, this watch is cased in a 34.6mm round case and split lug design, all in 18K yellow solid gold. The case back is signed: MSS. This watch comes with a vintage black alligator Genuine Leather two-piece strap. The case back is signed "MSS".
 
Also, it comes in the original brown display box and Guarantee Certified and Instructions Manual paper – Be aware that the box is NOT in perfect condition.

Thank you for looking!  Please feel free to contact us with any questions or respectful offers.
 
Movement:
VACHERON & CONSTANTIN
Cal. 477/1
17 Jewels
Adjusted to Temperatures
Geneve Swiss
493879

Case Markings:
VACHERON & CONSTANTIN
SWISS
18K
0,750 136
319281

"MSS"

Measurements (mm):
Case Diameter 34.6
Case Diameter w/Crown 37.3
Case Lug to Lug 41.3
Case Thickness 11.5
Lug Width 17
Band Width 17

Vintage watches are traditionally smaller than today's watches. Men’s watches typically measure between 29-36mm wide (some larger, some smaller) excluding the crown. In the listing details we typically try to do our best to list all pertinent dimensions of a watch. If you don't see it, or we failed to do so, please reach out to us. Women’s watches from the 1900s-1970s were also much smaller than today's offerings. Please also feel free to ask any questions you have pertaining to size.
 
We prefer to shoot photographs outside when weather is permitting. However, when we shoot indoors, please be aware that we shoot our photographs inside of lightboxes that are lit with 360 LED bulbs. This indeed magnifies any flaws. Usually, they are much less obvious to the naked eye. Having said that, we never photoshop any of our photography, remove blemishes, etc. We adjust the lighting, when necessary, but what you see is what you are getting, and we take pride in that.

The condition is pre-owned.
The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear but is fully operational and functions as intended.
Please review the photos and feel free to ask any questions you may have.
 
It will be carefully packed.

Please view our other listings.
Thank you for looking!

WA-0599