Vacheron Constantin Triple Calendar Moonphase 4240L

Ref. 4240LA fine and very rare pink gold triple calendar wristwatch with moonphases and pink two-tone dial

Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1946 Reference No: 4240L Movement No: 457’980 Case No: 294’168 Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. V495, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated pin buckle Dimensions: 35mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1946.One intangible element that defines all Vacheron Constantin vintage watches is the air of flamboyant elegance they exude. The present reference 4240L (the L stands for Lune or “moon” in French) is the perfect embodiment of this design ethos. The elegant pink gold fluted case is associated with lugs that look slightly tapered when viewed from the top but are aggressively downturned, looking like fangs, when seen from the side. The day and month are indicated via two apertures on the top part of the dial, whereas the date is indicated by a central hand against a beautiful and warm two-tone champagne dial. Vacheron Constantin has a long history of producing calendar watches. Its first identified complicated timepiece is a full calendar from 1790, and Vacheron Constantin made unique pieces during the following centuries. However, it was not until the launch of reference 4240 in 1942, that this complication entered the brand’s catalogue as a complication produced in series. The reference 4240 is one of the few vintage wristwatch designs by the firm featuring a triple calendar function, which was available with or without moonphase display. Because of its iconic status, the reference 4240 was relaunched in 2017 by Vacheron Constantin, in two versions again, with or without moonphase display. In superbly preserved condition, the present Vacheron Constantin is a tribute to the brand’s technical and artistic creativity, and is a must have in the collection of every Vacheronista.