The creative exuberance of the 1950s

Collectors well remember the delicious anecdote regarding the new ‘form’ watch presented by 1951 and featuring the remarkable asset of an astonishing square case. It was an immediate hit, winning over a broad audience including the Italians who nicknamed it “cioccolatone” in reference to the shape of its case that reminded them of a famous chocolate sweet.

Left: Vacheron Constantin Toledo 1951 - Right: Calibre 2460 SC

The very fact that this watch with its non-conformist design elicited such enthusiasm lay in its ability to take the pulse of an effervescent period. Throughout a decade characterised by outstanding vitality and optimism, designers in all fields were eagerly exploring new avenues, including occasionally confronting each other so as to boost creative momentum. At Vacheron Constantin, aesthetic trends were actively cultivated so as to nurture a design dynamic, as vividly embodied in the “Toledo” model.

A welcome addition to the Historiques collection

A keen sense of its duty to pass on traditions and to share its passion inspired the Historiques collection, which is intended to reinterpret emblematic models. This approach provides an opportunity to highlight Vacheron Constantin’s distinctive aesthetic design codes and choices. The Historiques collection thus revives a wide range of very different, innovative and successful designs – within which the Toledo 1951 watch finds a natural place.

Vacheron Constantin Toledo 1951

In 2003, the Toledo model had already been revisited and introduced with a complete calendar. This year, the new Toledo 1951 has opted for closer similarities with the original 1951 model through a form watch with a three-hand display that preserves the warm signature mood of this timepiece imbued with a touch of Latin charm.

In tune with the new Hallmark of Geneva criteria

The new Toledo 1951 watch is powered by the famous Calibre 2460 SC, developed and crafted in-house by Vacheron Constantin. Oscillating at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour, this self-winding calibre equipped with a 22-carat gold oscillating weight ensures an approximately 40-hour power reserve. In line with the grand tradition of calibres from the Manufacture, the bridges are manually cut out and bevelled, the sides are hand-drawn with file strokes and each screw is meticulously polished.

This timepiece meets the new requirements of the Hallmark of Geneva. Instated by the Grand Council of the Republic and Canton of Geneva in 1886, the Hallmark is a guarantee of provenance, of craftsmanship, of durability and of expertise.

Source: Vacheron Constantin