Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: 1953 Reference No: 4710 Movement No: 495'296 Case No: 329'966 Material: 18K pink gold Calibre: Manual, cal. 454/5B, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather strap Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel pin buckle Dimensions: 36.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1953
Catalogue Essay
At a time when the standard size for a gentleman’s timepiece hovered between 31 and 35mm, the present timepiece can be considered without a doubt an extremely unusual oversize creation by Vacheron Constantin. It’s 36.5mm diameter is further amplified by the large, sloped, polished bezel which boldly frames the breathtaking guilloché dial. A masterpiece of quirkiness, it already conveys some aesthetic canons typical of the 1960s and 1970s, such as the lack of graphical elements in favor of the engine-turned finish combined with a satin outer ring.
A final layer of interest is given by the superior, unmolested and extremely honest condition of the piece - which has developed an enormously charming patina to the outer ring - and the pink gold case: not only this material is much more unusual then the commonly seen yellow gold, but it also imparts remarkable warmth to the ensemble.
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.