Vacheron & Constantin 4217

     The Patek Phillipe reference 96 is having a bit of a resurgence right now. Especially when you consider steel examples coupled with Breguet numerals. After all, the 96 is the quintessential wrist watch. Its been said but bares repeating: if you were to ask someone to draw a watch on a piece of paper they'd draw a 96. 
     So why bring up the Patek Phillipe ref. 96 in a listing for a Vacheron & Constantin? Well, the two Maisons have more in common than just sitting together atop traditional swiss watchmaking's mount Everest. The Patek 96 and its bigger brother 570 were created by a case manufacturer by the name of Antoine Gerlach - the same gentleman who designed the cases for the Vacheron 4073 and 4217. 
     Taking a look at these two references, the 4073 and 4217, we can see a number of similarities with the 96 and 570. We have a 3 piece case design that features a number of beautiful contrasting finishes. Theres the smooth, flat bezel that sits on top of the lugs. We have a generic "flats" crown. It sits snug against the case and is so incredibly bare yet somehow oddly fits with the entire character of the watch. Then there's the angled lugs. They are slightly elongated but not so much so as to detract from the appearance of the watch. All the characteristics fit together seemingly to provide us the classical representation of traditional wrist watch. And to be honest? I can't think of a more fitting design for the Swiss industries classical watchmaker. 
     What makes the 4073 and 4217 appealing, aside from the similarities drawn with the popular references from Patek, is the size. The 96 sits at roughly 30mm while the 570 is at around 36mm. As you can imagine there can be a pretty significant price discrepancy between the two and if your NOT like me you might be thinking a 96 at 30mm is too small for you. The 4217 and 4073 sit comfortably in between at 34mm and for a fraction of a price you get one of the big 3. 
     This particular example of a 4217 is rare for a number of reasons. First we have a pink gold case, a metal utilized in scarce quantities by V&C and seldom seen. Complimenting it we have an enamel dial that features 12 applied pink gold Arabic numerals. The case on this one is wonderfully preserved and we are happy to be offering it in our vintage watch shop. 

ABOUT THIS WATCH: 

MANUFACTURER: Vacheron & Constantin

REFERENCE: 4217

SERIAL: 307108

YEAR: 1956

CASE: The 34mm solid 18kt pink gold case is in fantastic shape. I believe the case to be truly unpolished. The original horizontal satin brushed finishing is present. The hallmarks are crisp and deep. The posterior portion of all 4 lugs retain strong, sharp lines with original brushed finish on their posterior portion. The case is completed by its correct flats crown which is rare for this reference. Due to the generic nature of its appearance it was often changed during its service. 

DIAL:  An extremely rare, original, golden enamel dial complete with raised enamel "Vacheron & Constantin Geneve" Signature. The raised signature is completely intact and pronounced. The dial exhibits no signs of cleaning. Observed on the dial are 12 applied pink gold Arabic numerals. Matching are pink gold pencil style hour and minute hand. The dial is completed with a blued, original, seconds hand. There are two scratches on the dial that can be observed near the 9 o'clock hour marker. The dial presents with an even, very faint bubbling throughout. 

MOVEMENT: Vacheron, center second manually wound caliber 454. The service history is unknown. The watch winds, sets and runs. it was placed on a timegrapher that illustrated that the watch is keeping time within 44 seconds per day and has an amplitude of 167. The watch can be serviced for approximately $325 plus parts (if any are needed). If serviced the watch will come with a one year warranty. 

BRACELET:  There are a number of different strap choices available. Buyer can choose. 

ACCESSORIES: None. 

BOX/PAPERS: No. 

WARRANTY: None unless service is completed. If serviced the watch will come with a one year warranty. 

BANK WIRE/ZELLE PRICE: $4,399 shipped.