The Les Historiques Arondes ref. 81018 is part of Vacheron Constantin’s illustrious line-up of re-imagined Classics, inviting the discerning collector to once again appreciate – now on the wrist – design that has endured the test of time. Paying homage to the original Arondes of 1954, it resurrected the distinctive ‘swallow’s wings’ bezel that characterizes the model. The sculpted bezel imparts an elegant and dynamically curved shape to the case, seamlessly blending with its integral downturned lugs. The use of solid 18k gold further reflects a commitment to doing justice to the original design through superior materials.

Moving onto the dial, its design reflects the same standard of meticulous attention to detail, featuring a guilloché striated pattern executed on a silvered canvas that evokes a vintage aesthetic, paired with applied hour markers and Arabic numerals at 6 and 9 o’clock. The small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock exhibits a graceful symmetry, balancing function with visual subtlety.

At the heart lies Vacheron Constantin’s renowned in-house rhodium-plated cal. 1400 - a testament to the technical sophistication and refinement that have characterized their movements since 1755. Features like the flat balance spring and self-compensating balance provide optimizations that ensure chronometric performance and durability, giving it 40 hours of power reserve at full wound.

Offered in excellent condition, the present pink gold ref. 81018 is the perfect reflection of the firm’s enduring vision and mastery of classical watchmaking forms. Executed with 21st century innovation and virtuosity, the modern Arondes enable a new generation of collectors to appreciate an historically significant design while experiencing technical refinements beyond what was possible in the 1950s.