Vacheron Constantin recreated its distinctive Fifties rectangular-shaped Aronde timepiece and debuted it at SIHH in 2011.
The Historiques Aronde 1954 is a classically styled, artistically created watch and whereas not delivered in massive portions, the extent of element and high quality speaks volumes about Vacheron Constantin. “Aronde” means “swallow” (fowl) and refers back to the wings within the context of this watch, as mirrored within the design of the case which has double rounded curved case flanks, and uniquely curved sapphire crystal — making this one of many extra distinctive rectangular-shaped timepieces out there.
An opaline silvered dial that seems extra cream than silver (as is commonly the case with silvered opaline dials) has been expertly engraved with hand-applied horizontal and vertical guilloche traces after which topped with hand-applied gold baton hour markers, except gold Arabic numerals at 12 and 6, and stick arms for the hours, minutes, and small seconds. An 18K gold Maltese cross emblem has been utilized by hand at 12 o’clock. “VACHERON CONSTANTIN” is printed in black, on a raised floor just under the logo. The square-shaped clean sunken floor of the small seconds subdial is printed with a black cross-hair design.
Crafted from 18K rose gold, the case is bigger than the unique, to fulfill fashionable tastes, however isn’t any much less elegant. This watch is sort of a Cartier Tank or Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso, which coincidentally are owned by the identical firm (Richemont SA) as Vacheron Constantin. And whereas these manufacturers promote extra rectangle-shaped watches than Vacheron by a big quantity, the 31.20 mm x 9.95 mm (44.5 mm lug-to-lug), some would possibly argue has one of the best craftsmanship, heritage, and aesthetic of the bunch.
To not point out, the 4Hz hand-wound caliber 1400 AS (20.65 mm x 2.65 mm) motion, with 20 jewels, 40-hours of energy reserve, and top-level Geneva finishes — is excellent. The unique retail was $29,500.
