Vacheron & Constantin ref. 4824 - 18K Gold

Vacheron & Constantin ref. 4824 - 18K Gold, 1957

The Vacheron & Constantin ref. 4824 is an exceptional haute horlogerie timepiece from one of the oldest and most prestigious watch manufacturers in the world.

This particular piece, dating from October 1957, represents the classic elegance of Vacheron Constantin from the mid-20th century. It is a watch from an era when the brand created some of the most subtle, proportionate, and refined dress watches, combining traditional Genevan craftsmanship with a very high level of mechanical sophistication.

The model features an 18-karat gold case, a silver dial, a hesalite crystal, a hand-wound Vacheron Constantin cal. 1002 movement, and a classic brown leather strap.

This is a watch for someone who seeks not just a luxurious timepiece, but also an item with history, understated elegance, and significant collector value. Vacheron Constantin belongs to the "Holy Trinity" of Swiss watchmaking alongside Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, and the historical models of this brand are prized by collectors for their craftsmanship, prestige, and timeless character.

This piece is available exclusively by prior appointment and individual contact with Dial-House. Due to its value, character, and class, the purchase cannot be made automatically through a shopping cart. Before finalizing, we confirm availability, condition, completeness, transaction terms, and a secure form of collection or delivery.

Movement

At the heart of the watch is the Vacheron Constantin cal. 1002 hand-wound movement.

Caliber 1002 was a development of the Vacheron Constantin 1001 movement family, introduced in the 1950s. This movement is derived from a design based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre 818 ébauche and belongs to the classic, elegant hand-wound movements used in high-end watches.

Caliber 1002 is distinguished by its central seconds, classic bridge architecture, and very elegant construction characteristic of Vacheron Constantin watches from this period.

The movement operates at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour. Depending on the version, movements from this family had either 17 or 18 jewels. Descriptions of the movement also mention features such as the Gyromax balance and Kif-Flector shock protection, characteristic of more advanced versions of this design.

The hand-wound mechanism is a very important part of this watch's character. Unlike an automatic movement, it requires conscious, regular winding by the user. In vintage haute horlogerie watches, this is not a drawback but part of the experience. Contact with the crown, the resistance of the spring, and the daily ritual of winding remind us that we are dealing with a mechanical artisanal object, not just a time-telling tool.

In the case of Vacheron Constantin, the movement has particular significance. The brand has been associated for generations with precision, elegant construction, and a very high level of finish. Caliber 1002 fits this tradition – it is classic, slender, elegant, and perfectly suited to a gold dress watch from the late 1950s.

Case and Dial

The watch case is made of 18-karat gold. Its diameter is approximately 32 mm without the crown and approximately 34 mm with the crown. The case thickness is approximately 7 mm, and the lug-to-lug dimension is approximately 35 mm.

This is a classic size for an elegant vintage watch from the 1950s. A contemporary wearer, accustomed to larger watches, might initially find these proportions compact, but this is precisely the character of this model. Dress watches from this period were meant to be subtle, comfortable, and proportionate. Their purpose was not to dominate the styling but to elegantly complement it.

The case has a round shape and maintains the classic Vacheron Constantin aesthetic. The watch's form is calm, elegant, and timeless. There is no excessive decorativeness or random elements here. Every detail is subordinate to the proportion and formal character of the model.

The crown is original. The case back is press-fit and engraved. This type of construction suits elegant watches of the era, where slimness, simplicity, and wearing comfort were important.

The dial is silver and in perfect condition. This is very important for vintage watches. The dial is one of the key elements influencing a watch's perception and collector value. Its preservation, color, index proportions, and overall legibility are of great significance.

The silver dial harmonizes very well with the gold case. The ensemble creates a calm, formal, and exceptionally elegant watch. It is a model that best suits classic styling: with a suit, shirt, jacket, or as a subtle evening watch.

Crystal

The watch is equipped with a hesalite crystal.

Hesalite, or acrylic crystal, was commonly used in vintage watches and has a completely different character than modern sapphire crystal. It is visually warmer, lends softness to the dial, and blends very well with the historical nature of the watch.

In watches from the 1950s, hesalite is not a random choice. It is part of the era's character. Combined with the gold case, silver dial, and hand-wound movement, it creates a coherent whole that should not be artificially modernized.

Strap

This configuration of the model is equipped with a high-quality brown leather strap.

The brown strap complements the gold case and silver dial very well. It gives the watch a warm, elegant, and classic character. The strap width is 18 mm.

Upon finalization of the purchase, there is an option to individually discuss the strap, its condition, and potential customization to the client's preferences.

Set and Documentation

The scope of the set, documentation, and any accessories is determined individually before finalizing the purchase.

For watches of this class, it is particularly important to confirm the condition, markings, consistency of reference, movement, case material, and any existing documentation. Dial-House provides the client with available information and materials regarding the timepiece before finalizing the transaction.

Any warranty from Dial-House, if provided, is determined individually and indicated before finalizing the transaction.

Watch Condition

The watch is a used and collectible item. Its condition should be assessed taking into account its age, character, and historical significance.

The dial is in perfect condition. Natural signs of age, storage, prior use, or servicing may be present and are typical for vintage watches. The detailed visual condition is presented in the product photos.

The photos are an integral part of the description and show the actual appearance of the offered watch.

For questions regarding condition, operation, completeness, history, warranty, or the possibility of viewing additional photos, please contact Dial-House before purchasing.

History of the Vacheron Constantin Brand

Vacheron Constantin is one of the oldest and most prestigious watch manufacturers in the world. The brand was founded in 1755 in Geneva by Jean-Marc Vacheron and has since been continuously associated with the highest culture of Swiss watchmaking.

One of the most important statements in the brand's history is the motto: "Do better if possible, and that is always possible." These words were written in 1819 by François Constantin and still perfectly capture the manufacture's character today.

The history of Vacheron Constantin is a history of Genevan craftsmanship, complications, precision, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The brand created watches for aristocracy, royal families, important political figures, and the most demanding collectors.

In 1880, the Maltese Cross became the brand's symbol. The inspiration for this emblem came from a component of the mechanism related to the mainspring barrel's operation. The Maltese Cross remains one of the most recognizable symbols in the world of premium watches today.

From its inception, Vacheron Constantin combined elegance with technical prowess. The brand was known for its enameled cases, guilloché dials, watches with complications, minute repeaters, perpetual calendars, pocket watches, and classic wristwatches. It is a manufacture whose prestige does not stem from a single model but from a long, consistent heritage.

Vacheron Constantin in the 1950s

The 1940s and 1950s were a particularly important period for Vacheron Constantin in terms of style. The brand created many excellent evening and dress watches during this time. It was an era of classic proportions, elegant cases, hand-wound movements, and very high-quality craftsmanship.

During this period, watches were subtle, noble, and refined. They were not meant to shout with size or sporty character. Their strength lay in proportion, material, movement, and the brand's prestige.

The Vacheron & Constantin ref. 4824 from 1957 perfectly fits into this world. It is a watch from a period when the classic dress watch was one of the most significant expressions of luxury. The gold case, silver dial, hand-wound movement, and slim case height create a very coherent and elegant timepiece.

Why is this model exceptional?

The Vacheron & Constantin ref. 4824 is exceptional because it combines several elements that hold significant collector value.

Firstly, it is a watch from one of the "Holy Trinity" brands of watchmaking.

Secondly, it dates from 1957, a period highly valued among enthusiasts of classic vintage watches.

Thirdly, it features a case made of 18-karat gold.

Fourthly, it is equipped with a hand-wound Vacheron Constantin cal. 1002 movement, an elegant construction linked to the classical tradition of Genevan watchmaking.

Fifthly, it maintains a very calm, timeless character. This is a watch that does not follow fleeting fashion trends. Its value derives from its proportions, history, material, and the brand's prestige.

Vacheron & Constantin ref. 4824 at Dial-House

The presented Vacheron & Constantin ref. 4824 available at Dial-House is a collectible watch offered on an individual contact basis.

It is not an ordinary product to be added to a shopping cart. A watch of this class requires a calm discussion, confirmation of details, discussion of condition, transaction terms, and a secure form of collection or delivery.

This is a model for someone who understands the value of history. It is not flashy, not obvious, and does not need modern exaggeration. Its strength lies in the prestige of Vacheron Constantin, an 18-karat gold case, a silver dial, a manual movement, and timeless elegance.

Key Information

Brand: Vacheron & Constantin

Model: ref. 4824

Year: October 1957

Movement: Vacheron Constantin cal. 1002

Winding: manual

Movement base: cal. 1001 family / Jaeger-LeCoultre 818 ébauche

Functions: hours, minutes, central seconds

Frequency: 18,000 vibrations per hour

Jewels: 17 or 18, depending on movement version

Case: 18-karat gold

Case diameter: approximately 32 mm without crown

Diameter with crown: approximately 34 mm

Case thickness: approximately 7 mm

Lug to lug: approximately 35 mm

Crystal: hesalite

Dial: silver, in perfect condition

Case back: press-fit, engraved

Crown: original

Strap: leather, brown

Strap width: 18 mm

Style: classic, dress, evening

Category: haute horlogerie / collectible watch

Status: available exclusively by individual contact

Contact: inquire about product

Condition: used / collectible