Vacheron Constantin - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips

Create your first list.

Select an existing list or create a new list to share and manage lots you follow.

  • Condition Report

  • Description

    View our Conditions of Sale.

  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1956
    Reference No: 4737
    Movement No: 527’498
    Case No: 352’710
    Model Name: Cioccolatone
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. P1019/1, 21 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle
    Dimensions: 35mm width x 43mm length
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by associated 18K gold bracelet. Further delivered with Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming the date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 1956.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Vacheron Constantin’s reference 4737 is a wonderful example of the artistically flamboyant design language expressed by the brand during the mid-20th century. Focusing on clean lines and biomorphic shapes, the brand created a new aesthetic with this large, organic, square- shaped wristwatch with rounded stepped lugs and bezel, along with the slightly curved case. Introduced in the 1950s, the watch became known by Italian collectors as the “Cioccolatone” for the square-shaped chocolates they enjoy, and has over the last 70 years become an iconic Vacheron Constantin. Its avant-garde, industrial design exemplifies the beauty and artistic creativity the brand is known for. Manufactured with both manual and automatic movements, the collection featured timepieces with either subsidiary seconds or center seconds, as well as with and without date apertures, along with very rare triple calendar examples with moon phase.

    Until today, 335 examples of Vacheron Constantin’s reference 4737 were known and only approximately 62 examples are cased in pink gold. Highly collectible, the present pink “Cioccolatone” is a delicious example. Distinguished by its well-preserved voluptuously sculpted case crafted by Ponti Gennari (Key number 26 stamped on the inner caseback), the hallmarks remains intact at 6 o’clock and behind the lug. The matching hand engraved serial ‘710’ and ‘2710’ within the case further testifies the collectability of this pink gold example. Highly rare, the dial is in equally stunning condition, the raised enamel signature is strong, the pink gold hour markers are simple yet elegant.

    Powered by the calibre P1019 stamped with the approval of excellence with the Geneva seal, the present example is further confirmed with the Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives of its year of manufacture in 1956. Absolutely stunning addition to any collection, the timepiece can also be paired with an 18K gold bracelet for the exuberant individual.

  • Artist Biography

    Vacheron Constantin

    Swiss • 1755

    The 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.

    View More Works

892

Ref. 4737
An exceptionally rare and well-preserved pink gold square-shaped wristwatch with stepped case and center seconds

1956
35mm width x 43mm length
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$96,000 - 190,000 
€11,500-22,800
$12,300-24,400

Place Advance Bid
Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024