209 Vacheron Constantin Fine and Iconic, Cioccolatone, Automatic Wristwatch in Yellow Gold, With Silvered Sweeps Centre Seconds Dial, Reference 4737
Estimate: €15,000 – 30,000
Sold (Premium)€28,600
Model: Cioccolatone
Reference: 4737
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Bracelet Material: Leather Strap
Year: 1950s
Movement: Automatic
Caliber: P499
Case N°: 343277
Movement N°: 505969
Dimensions: 43 × 35 mm
Signed: Dial, Case and Movement
Nicknamed “Cioccolatone” due to its resemblance to a square of chocolate, the present lot strike for its large distinctive shape and curved profile that really capture the zeitgeist of the time of its release in the 1950s, echoing the grand contemporary American curves of the period. 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. The present 4737 is well preserved in outstanding original condition, remaining crisp since it was first produced. 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. This particular configuration, with center seconds and no date, is appreciated by traditionalists and nonconformists for its elegant simplicity and the purity of its design. Its avant-garde, industrial design exemplifies the beauty and artistic creativity the brand is known for.