WHL
[VC Moderator]
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In-depth Review: Vacheron Constantin Historiques Toledo 1951
Vacheron Constantin has been making watches since 1755, and with over a
quarter millennium of continuous production to its credit the brand
constantly has to be mindful of its past while it pushes forward with
new wristwatch designs. One avenue that the brand follows is by making
timepieces that honor the spirit of its past yet are suitable for
today’s tastes, as seen in the Patrimony and Traditionnelle
collections. The excellence of the past in terms of design and
finishing are still present, but the designs are suitable for
contemporary wear, with greater water resistance, the advantages of
modern precision production techniques, and in many instances longer
power reserves.
Another avenue is for the the designers at Vacheron Constantin to take
specific designs from the past as the direct inspiration and point of
departure for a modern watch that honor the excellence of those past
designs. This is the basis for the Historiques collection. The American
1921, for instance, takes its inspiration from a set of watches that
placed the crown in the corner of a cushion case and tilted the dial 45
degrees from the usual orientation. While the cushion case and dial
orientation are retained, the contemporary piece is considerably larger
than the original, consists of a two part, rather than three part case,
and places the small seconds at 3 o’clock rather than at 6 o’clock due
to movement architecture. These are not mere copies.
Vacheron Constantin brought new emphasis to the Historiques collection
in 2007 with the launch of the Chronometer Royal 1907, and on average
releases one new Historiques timepiece every year. Subsequent pieces
have been the American 1921, Ultra-fine 1955, with manual winding
movement, and Ultra-fine 1968, with self-winding movement, Aronde 1954,
and in 2013, the Toledo 1951, reference 86300/000R-9826, the focus of
this review.
History of the Cioccolatone
Vacheron Constantin has used “carre galbe,” a poetic term for curved square, for many years for its cases, but it found an icon with the so-called Cioccolatone case that it introduced in the 1950’s. (The Italian name is an even more evocative poetic name as it recalls the shape of chocolate squares popular in Italy.) A typical round watch from the brand at this time was 34 mm - 36 mm. That same diameter in a square case, however, means that the surface area of the watch is considerably larger than that of a round watch of the same diameter, giving it the same presence on the wrist as a 38 mm - 40 mm round watch. The Cioccolatone case is distinguished by the step up from the body of the case at the lugs to the still higher square bezel. The slight inward curvature along the flanks gives the watch a very refined and sensual feel.
The manual winding models, reference 4821 with the caliber 453, and reference 4822 with the caliber 454, having center seconds, made a great initial impression;
Photo from Antiquorum
As self-winding movements came into common use in the 1950’s Vacheron Constantin had excellent movements to offers its clients, and the most common reference for the Cioccolatone is the 4737, with caliber 1019. Yellow gold is the most common, with rose being rare, and there are only two known examples in white gold
Photo from Antiquorum
As self-winding movements developed, Vacheron Constnatin updated the movements in the Cioccolatone and had the 6440, with caliber 1071, and 6440Q, with 1072, with date;
Photo from Antiquorum
One of most desirable models is the complicated 4764, which had day, date, month, and moon phase, with manual winding caliber 485/495, based on the 453.
Photo from Antiquorum
All of these models have withstood the test of time, and would be cornerstone pieces in any vintage Vacheron Constantin collection.
Rediscovery in the 1990’s
With the mechanical watch renaissance of the 1990’s Vacheron Constantin looked back into its heritage for inspiration for new timepiece models. The Cioccolatone was an obvious choice, providing a distinctive form case that is easily associated with the brand. For men there was the reference 42100, with self winding caliber 1312, on a Girard-Perregaux base that was more famously used in the Overseas Chronometer models. The case, in either yellow or white gold, was 32 mm x 38 mm.
Photo from Antiquorum
It had a textured pattern on the inner dial, with a railroad track for the minutes and applied markers for the hours, mixing Romans and pyramid index markers. There was a date window at 6 o’clock.
For women there was a slimmed down version with a 30 mm x 34 mm length and width, with manual winding caliber 1132. The base was a reference 31100, and variations included models with integrated gold bracelet, diamond bezel, and diamond hour markers.
Photo from Antiquorum
Historiques from 2003
Vacheron Constantin brought the Cioccolatone back to its original dimensions in 2003 with the Toledo 1952, which had the triple calendar complication, now based on a JLC self-winding ebauche. There were three models in the initial run, with yellow gold and white gold being standard production, and a limited edition of 100 pieces in platinum with a gray dial (starting Vacheron Constantin’s combining of gray dials with platinum cases which we still see today)
The employees of Vacheron Constantin joined together to purchase this model for then CEO Claude Daniel Proellochs, and I know more than a few PuristS with a Toledo 1952 in their collection.
The Historiques Toledo 1951
Vacheron Constantin brought out a new Toledo 1951 in 2013, and it shares many of the traits of the other watches in the Historiques collection. It is a simple timekeeper, production numbers are low, the case is rose gold (there are a few rare exceptions to rose gold in the Historiques collection), it has an in-house movement, and like all such Vacheron Constantin timepieces now, the entire watch has earned the Geneva Hallmark.
Case
The dimensions of the Toledo measure 36.4 mm x 43 mm.
Looking head on at the dial and one’s attention is drawn to the steps up from the main body of the case to the bezel. From an angle, the arch of the main body calls attention to itself. Curves, indeed!
The original models from the 1950’s were 12 mm thick.This new one is only 8.9 mm thick, and will easily fit under a cuff.
Dial
I found the dial of the Toledo 1951 to be even more captivating than the case. The inner guilloche pattern shifts focus according to the angle of the light it reflects.
The Vacheron Constantin signature rises above this pattern and has an opanline finish as on the outer dial.
The applied Arabic 12 and 6 have a polished finish along with the applied index markers for the hours. Note the slight difference and tapering of the shape of the markers at 3 and 9, and how all the markers frame the inner square.
The minute pearls let the rose gold base plate of the dial shine through, similar to the look of the Patrimony Contemporaine models.
The hands too have a polished finish as well as beveled sides that reflect light or sit in shadows, enhancing legibility.
Movement
Hiding behind the solid case back with its satin finish;
Photo courtesy of Alex Ghotbi
This movement has been in production for almost a decade, and it has proven itself to be a reliable workhorse for Vacheron Constantin. The finishing is outstanding on each of the 182 components that fit inside this 26.2 mm diameter, 3.6 mm thick movement, though the textured pattern on the 22K gold rotor captures the most attention.
Vacheron Constantin puts a tremendous amount of thought into each detail of its designs. Each detail is worth appreciating on its own, but it is the fact that they all come together harmoniously that makes this Historiques Toledo 1951 such a beautiful and engaging timepiece.
On the wrist
It was a pleasure to wear the Toledo 1951 for the week that I had it on loan from Vacheron Constantin, so much so that I am seriously considering making it my next modern Vacheron Constantin watch purchase, even over the American 1921, which I admire so much and have long mentioned as a top candidate for inclusion in my collection. With a modern dress watch I am most comfortable with a diameter between 38 mm and 41 mm, at least with round watches. For a form piece, I will accept a smaller width due to the fact that length of the timepiece takes up a similar surface area on the wrist as those round watches. The Historiques Aronde 1954 is a great design, but it is just a little to small to be a daily wearer for me. The Historiques Toledo 1951 is a better fit.
I initially found the watch to ride a little high on my wrist, but as the strap broke in during the course of the week the case was laying flat on my wrist by the end of the week. The strap has a beautiful large grain alligator finish on the visible surface with a small grain alligator backing against the wrist. The Toledo 1951 comes with Vacheron Constantin’s iconic Maltese Cross tang buckle
The Historiques Toledo 1951 is another strong addition to one of Vacheron Constantin’s strongest collections, and fits in well with the Chronometer Royale 1907, American 1921, Ultra-Fine 1955 and 1968, and the Aronde 1954. Like all pieces in the Historiques collection, the Toledo 1951 is relatively expensive when compared with watches with similar movements in the Patrimony and Traditionnelle collections, though it is less that the Quai de l’Ile Self-Winding Date model in rose gold. At the time of this writing it has a retail value of $39,700. Like all watches in the Historiques collection, it will be produced in very small numbers, giving it rarity value.
Bill Lind
VC Forum Moderator
In-depth Review: Vacheron Constantin Historiques Toledo 1951
Vacheron Constantin has been making watches since 1755, and with over a quarter millennium of continuous production to its credit the brand constantly has to be mindful of its past while it pushes forward with new wristwatch designs. One avenue that the b...
Thank you, Kunal....
A form case would help to round out your collection, no? :-) Bill
The Toledo 1951
Is my favorite novelty at Watches and Wonders 2013. Love the dial and the curves on the case. I always wondered why the Historiques series are relatively pricier but guess that's because they are rarer as you mentioned. Thanks Bill for the wonderful revie...
Robin, you are correct. They are pricier because they are made
in lesser quantities in comparison to other VC's. However, at times I feel their prices are not so justified.
Thank you, Robin.....
I hope you can get to Watches and Wonders again this year. I expect VC will have some fantastic releases for that event. Bill
Great Review
The "curved square" is quite an interesting look. Thanks for taking the time to post this.
Thank you, Ken....
You should try it on your right wrist soon, don't you think? :-) Best, Bill
Great idea
But the "no driving" thing has reduced my mobility somewhat, especially when my chauffeur takes the afternoon off to photograph wildflowers ;-)
Great review, Bill
I know a lot of work went into this post I echo your comment about the watch riding. My 1952 is still not comfortable to wear. I have worn it at least 10 times since I got it, and I had it on last Sunday. I had it on with a short sleeve shirt. I still was...
Thank you for the wrist shot....
When you store the watch is it with the strap flat or curved (as if on a winder)? Once the strap broke in I was really happy with the way it sat on my wrist, and wonder if the same would be true for you. Bill
Thanks for this Toledo Review
I had not considered that the Toledo has had a long and interesting history. There have been a number of iterations of this watch, almost as if it were a product line unto itself, not quite the way the 1972 evolved, but certainly more of a history than mo...
A less expensive CR would be nice.....
though for that I think you'll really just have to seek one out in the vintage arena. A vintage CR is just as important to a vintage VC collection as a Cioccolatone would be! And yes, I would rather have the Toledo 1951 over the American 1921. Bill
Toledo vs 1921
I have to say WHL I am not supprised at that. The 1921 may have a bit too much whimsy for. I on the other hand would love the '21.
It's not that I don't like whimsy...
I think it can be an important aspect of a watch's design, and I still adore the 1921, but now the Toledo 1951 is tops on my Historiques list. And besides, don't you think all those curves are a little bit whimsical? :-) Bill
Thanks Bill!
A very interesting survey with some great pics. The 42100 should be in there as well, I think (or did I miss it ?) I really like the layout on the 1951. It lacks nothing. The 42100 has a similar layout but i think a bit smaller size. The little date windo...
Thank you, Joseph....
I did get the 42100 in there with the series of 1990's pieces. The date on it doesn't bother me, but the smaller size is not to my taste, though if I had been buying in 1998 it wouldn't have bothered me! This new Toledo 1951 is fantastic. Bill
Thanks BIll
I found it. I think the 1951 is what the 42100 should have been, beautiful central guilloché, attractive numerals and indices, a gorgeous case and a VC movement. Best, Joseph
