The reference 4073 is quintessentially Vacheron. Simplicity at its core, its design as timeless as the name on the dial. Vacheron & Constantin is synonymous with history. Heralded as the longest, continuous watch Maison, Vacherons sheer essence was always the patrimony. The connection between the Maison and a time only masterpiece was always fate. It's hard to nail the basics. There is nothing sexy about staying after practice to shoot a bunch of free throws or working on return speed of that lead jab. Basics lack appeal yet there very nature are essential to success. Time only watches are difficult to execute. The increased dial realty resultant of complication-less watch is a daunting task for watch manufacturers to tackle. Proportions have to be spot on. Every detail painstakingly thought out. Purists  remind us that a time only watch is evaluated on hours and minutes. Seconds excluded for those too concerned with time to be bothered by the good company before them. The excepting being a good, recessed sub second dial. Vacherons marriage with a time only watch was always fate. 

ABOUT THIS WATCH: 

MANUFACTURER: Vacheron & Constantin

MODEL: Patrimony 

REFERENCE: 4073

YEAR: 1940s

SERIAL: 46xxxx

CASE: The 34mm solid 18kt yellow gold case is in good shape. The case as been polished in the past, yet the hallmarks on the back of the lugs are nice and deep. The case presents wear commensurate with its age. It is completed by the watches original crown. 

DIAL:  An original V&C tritone dial. An exceedingly high amount of vintage Vacheron dials have been refinished in the past. This is particularly attributable to a lack of sufficient hermetic seal. The dial on this example is in exceptional condition. It appears to be free of any visible staining, blemishes, scratches, patina or otherwise imperfections. It illustrates a great deal of dial intricacy that Vacheron has become known for over the years.  

MOVEMENT: A manually wound, Vacheron caliber 453. The service history is unknown. The watch winds, sets, runs and is keeping good time. The watch was placed on a timegrapher which illustrated that it is keeping time within 21 and 32 seconds per day with an amplitude of 260. The watch can be serviced for approximately $325 plus parts. If serviced the watch will come with a one year warranty. 

BRACELET:  The watch comes on the pictured, genuine crocodile strap with generic buckle. 

ACCESSORIES: None. 

BOX/PAPERS: No. 

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

BANK WIRE/ZELLE PRICE: $4250 shipped.