Manufacturer: Gübelin Year: Circa 1955 Case No: 135’781 Model Name: “Cioccolatone” Material: 18K yellow gold Calibre: Automatic, 25 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: Gold plated pin buckle Dimensions: 32mm Width Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
With exciting traits dating back to the 1950’s, the “Cioccolatone” case was used by many manufacturers at the time including, Rolex, Patek Philippe and Gübelin. Earning its nickname due to its resembling aesthetics to a block of “Chocolate”, the case aesthetics and design were very similar across examples produced by various manufacturers, however the only variable that differed from each other was the style of the lugs.
Featuring a cloisonné enamel dial, the watch is beautiful and unique on its own respect. With an extremely delicate and sophisticated process of manufacture, cloisonné enamel dials were crafted individually by master enamellers that would outline the desired motif with thin gold wires referred to “cloisons” in French, and enamel dust would be applied on the dial with the specific colors desired. The last procedure and the most daunting would require the dial to be heated in a kiln oven at approximately 1000 degrees Celsius. The dial was manufactured by Stern Fréres.
The present example featuring a motif of the sun with rays shinning down on a deep blue backdrop is presented in absolute attractive condition. The hallmarks on the case remains in excellent condition and are nice and crisp. The case proportions are well retained and the lugs are nicely defined and retains its original finish.