139
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 4764
"Cioccolatone"
A stunning and avant garde yellow gold triple calendar wristwatch with moon phase, and two-tone silvered dial
Full-Cataloguing
- Triple Calendar with moonphase
- 7th yellow gold example to come to an international auction room
The years following the Second World War ushered in an era of new design language, defined by clean lines, organic forms and an increasing emphasis on both functionality and beauty. Vacheron Constantin’s response was among the most distinctive wristwatch designs of the period: a generously proportioned square case with softly rounded corners, a gently curved profile and stepped lugs. Affectionately nicknamed the “Cioccolatone” by collectors, after the Italian word for a square of chocolate, it has since become one of the most recognizable and celebrated designs of 1950s watchmaking.
Introduced during the early 1950s, the Cioccolatone was produced in several references and configurations, with both manual and automatic movements, subsidiary or centre seconds, and, at the summit of the family, a triple calendar with moon phases. The present reference 4764 represents this most elaborate execution, it was produced in only 47 examples across yellow and pink gold.
With its dramatic proportions and flowing, almost sculptural case, the Cioccolatone was remarkably forward-looking for its time. Its enduring appeal was such that Vacheron Constantin revisited the design in 2003 with the Toledo 1952, a modern interpretation fitted with a triple calendar and moon-phase indication.
The present watch is a well-preserved example of reference 4764, of which only 6 yellow gold examples have been offered in an international auction room, the present example, fresh to the market being the 7th.
The case is in very good condition with a deep hallmark to the flank and an the silvered dial is equally well preserved.
Combining Vacheron Constantin’s most dramatic case design of the period and the most complicated execution of the model, the present reference 4764 possesses all the qualities sought by discerning collectors.
Rare, visually striking and preserved in very attractive condition, it is a superb representative of one of the most important and distinctive Vacheron Constantin wristwatch designs of the 1950s.
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.