In contrast to modern Vacheron & Constantin watches that can be purchased at various jewelry boutiques around the world, exceptional examples of their vintage pieces are extremely difficult to find and command top-dollar prices. Their scarcity results from Vacheron & Constantin's incredible attention to detail and strict quality standards, which limited their production capacity in the 1940's to only twenty to thirty timepieces per day.

The distinctive Vacheron & Constantin showcased in today's offering is a striking example of one of these pieces. It is a rare ref. 4990, a tremendously finely designed watch from one of the best Swiss makers - one of the "Big Three."

Our extensive web search couldn't turn up a single other example, although we are not suggesting that it is the only example.

Featuring an unusual original case with raised "horn" style lugs it showcases an elegant and maculinely handsome style.

Its very high-grade Vacheron & Constantin movement is outfitted with an early, indirect sweep seconds mechanism, originally designed for physician's to time their patient's pulse and for professional use in other technical and sporting fields.

And designed to run accurately across a number of positions and range of temperatures, it possesses all the necessary capabilities to earn it its place among the very fine timepieces from the period.

Its parts are fully Vacheron, and it presents in excellent condition. Its original 18K Vacheron & Constantin case presents as near mint and scratch-free with signs of being previously polished. Our photos couldn't fully capture the sculpted raised lugs.

Its dial is bright and clean, restored in vintage times.

One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it. Amazingly, after about seven decades, it still is running extremely strong and true, keeping time essentially on par with a new Vacheron in our testing position.

For the finishing touch we have equipped it with a brand new crocodile strap making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center. He has also done authorized work for the Richemont Group's service center, who are the conglomerate that owns Vacheron & Constantin, Cartier, and many others.

Vacheron & Constantin
Since the early 1800's, the elite Swiss firm Vacheron & Constantin has had as it's motto "Do better if possible... and that's always possible." The result of their carrying out this commitment has led to the development some of the most exceptional timepieces in the world.

As the world's oldest continuous watchmaker, Vacheron & Constantin is very familiar with making world-class timepieces, and they are often considered to make up one of the "Big Three" along with Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe.. Prized by kings and queens, heads of state, and prominent public figures, their timepieces rank among the most exclusive and expensive in the world.

• Manufacturer: Vacheron & Constantin
• Country of origin: Switzerland
• Serial no.: 509,944
• Year built: c. first half of the 1950's
• Model: Ref. 4990
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds (Indirect)
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: 18K gold
• Case markings (outside): Liberty Head - Helvetia hallmark on underside of bottom right lug
• Case markings (inside): Vacheron & Constantin, Swiss, 18K, Liberty Head - Helvetia hallmark, 342,178
• Case condition: Near mint with signs of being previously polished
• Dimensions: 33mm wide (excluding crown), 40mm long lug tip-to-tip
• Dial: Silver, gold applique multifaceted baton indexes, outer seconds/minutes track with 1/5 second graduations, signed Vacheron & Constantin, restored in vintage times - excellent condition
• Hands: Original, gold batons with gold counterweighted center seconds, excellent condition
• Movement type:  Very high grade Vacheron & Constantin caliber P454/5B, rhodium-plated, “fausses cotes” decoration, 17 jewels, Parachoc shock resistance, straight line lever escapement, beryllium balance with timing screws, self-compensating Breguet balance-spring, index regulator, manually wound, early indirect sweep seconds mechanism, designed to maintain accuracy across various temperatures
• Movement markings: Vacheron & Constantin with Maltese Cross, Geneve, 17 Jewels, P454/5B, 509,944 Adjusted to Temperatures
• Jewels: 17 rubies
• Beat frequency: 18,000 BPH
• Band: Crocodile, fully stitched, padded, brand new and unworn
• Crystal: Acrylic, domed, excellent condition
• Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers has disassembled it down to its last screw and cleaned and oiled it.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running extremely strong and true, keeping time essentially on par with a new Vacheron in our testing position.
• Warranty: 1-year C.O.T. international warranty. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center. He has also done authorized work for the Richemont Group's service center, who are the conglomerate that owns Vacheron & Constantin, Cartier, and many others.
• Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
• Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide