Vacheron Constantin Historiques Toledo 1951 (...hushed self-assured reverence as standard).
The new Vacheron Constantin Historiques Toledo 1951 watch pays tribute to the year in which the industry had its first glimpse at this refined, and quite gorgeous case shape.
Nowadays it is difficult to imagine that such an innocent curvy square should have once been considered to be somewhat radical, but back in the 1950's, the original piece was viewed as being rather daring - it's dial was large-ish, its bezel was broad and its lugs continued along its squared case providing a substantial and curvesome skirting which was at odds with the sobriety of its aesthetics.
When it was released, it didn't even have a name, only a reference number - a matter-of-course back then, but an almost unheard of scenario today. Italian watch collectors, so the story goes, named it "Cioccolatone" considering it to be similar in shape to a square of Swiss chocolate, which of course it is - one which has melted just a little around the edges and has therefore reached the perfect moment of consumption.
The name " Toledo" followed in 2003 when the model was re-awakened with an edition featuring a complete calendar and a platinum case, but this latest addition is encased in pink gold which heightens the pleasure of its flowing form and it features no fussiness, just a deliciously uncluttered dial.
Inside is the Calibre 2460 SC created and assembled in-house by Vacheron Constantin, its self-winding mechanics powered by a 22-carat gold oscillating weight. The exemplary inside/outside finishing in keeping with the new Hallmark of Geneva ensures that the Historiques Toledo 1951 edition like everything produced by this Manufacture is of superlative quality. This is a watch which does not scream luxury, but rather slips beneath the cuff with a hushed self-assured reverence.