127
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 4737
"Cioccolatone"
A very fine and rare oversized yellow gold square-shaped wristwatch with sweep centre seconds, extract and original box
- Estimate
- CHF20,000 - 30,000€17,300 - 25,900$20,700 - 31,000
CHF32,500
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Vacheron Constantin
- Year
- 1953
- Reference No
- 4737
- Movement No
- 501'841
- Case No
- 342'084
- Model Name
- "Cioccolatone"
- Material
- 18K yellow gold
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 477/1, 17 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18K yellow gold pin buckle
- Dimensions
- 35 mm. Width, 43 mm. Length
- Signed
- Case, dial and movement signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture of the watch in 1953 and a fitted presentation box.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
As Vacheron Constantin is often considered the more flamboyant of the two historical Geneva based brands, it is not surprising that reference 4737 is the brainchild of the brand. Nicknamed “Cioccolatone" due to its resemblance to a square of chocolate, the incredibly large, stepped, square and curved case of the reference 4737 is reminiscent of the flowing designs of American automobile design of the 1950s. It is design in its purest and most unbridled expression.
The “Cioccolatone” was made in different versions, such as with or without date, with different movements and also with an extremely sought after full calendar with moonphase model.
The present lot features the elusive bumper automatic caliber 477/1 which was produced for only 2 short years from 1950-1952 (but cased in different references the subsequent years).
The present reference 4737 impresses by its sheer presence and unusual organic shape. It was not only incredibly avant-garde in the 1950s but still eloquently embodies Vacheron Constantins's creative exuberance. In 2003 Vacheron Constantin revived this case shape by launching the full calendar with moonphase model under the name Toledo 1952; in 2013 Vacheron Constantin relaunched a model in all aspects similar to the present lot under the name Historiques Toledo 1951.
The present lot will appeal to the non-conformist and the lover of unconventional timepieces.
The “Cioccolatone” was made in different versions, such as with or without date, with different movements and also with an extremely sought after full calendar with moonphase model.
The present lot features the elusive bumper automatic caliber 477/1 which was produced for only 2 short years from 1950-1952 (but cased in different references the subsequent years).
The present reference 4737 impresses by its sheer presence and unusual organic shape. It was not only incredibly avant-garde in the 1950s but still eloquently embodies Vacheron Constantins's creative exuberance. In 2003 Vacheron Constantin revived this case shape by launching the full calendar with moonphase model under the name Toledo 1952; in 2013 Vacheron Constantin relaunched a model in all aspects similar to the present lot under the name Historiques Toledo 1951.
The present lot will appeal to the non-conformist and the lover of unconventional timepieces.
Vacheron Constantin
Swiss | 1755The world's oldest watch brand in continuous operation since its founding in 1755, Vacheron Constantin was the first watch company to manufacture movements with interchangeable parts beginning in 1839. Vacheron's watches are admired for their Latin-influenced case designs, well-balanced proportions and exquisitely finished movements of the highest quality. The Geneva-based manufacturer is known for their highly complicated masterpieces, including the King Farouk Grand Complication made in 1935, the Tour de l'Ile that was the most complicated serially produced wristwatch when introduced in 2005 and the 57260 — the world’s most complicated watch — made in 2015.
Key vintage models include minute repeating wristwatches such as the references 4261, chronographs such as the references 4178 and 6087 and the oversized Cioccolotone models such as ref. 4737. Collectors also appreciate Vacheron's Chronometer Royal pocket and wristwatches, as well as the '222,' the brand's first luxury sports watch produced from 1977 through 1984.
Browse MakerKey vintage models include minute repeating wristwatches such as the references 4261, chronographs such as the references 4178 and 6087 and the oversized Cioccolotone models such as ref. 4737. Collectors also appreciate Vacheron's Chronometer Royal pocket and wristwatches, as well as the '222,' the brand's first luxury sports watch produced from 1977 through 1984.