105th Auction
2021/11/13
Lot 138
Vacheron & ConstantinCioccolatone
An extremely rare, large vintage Geneva wristwatch with centre seconds
Sold
estimated
20.000—30.000 €
Price realized
25.000 €
specific features
Case
18 K rose gold, push back.
Dial
Silvered, sunburst finish.
Movement
Automatic.
Case no.378166
Ref.6440
Cal.1071
Diam.36 x 44 mm
Circa1967
Ctry.Switzerland
Wt.200 g
Because of its unusual shape and size, Italian collectors affectionately name the Vacheron & Constantin reference 6440 "Cioccolatone", which means "large piece of chocolate". The beautifully curved and rounded edges of the case and the layered design make this timepiece one of the most highly coveted vintage classics. The "Cioccolatone" exists in a series of less than 140 yellow gold pieces and some few pink gold examples; only two watches were made in white gold. It is powered by calibre 1071, which is one of the first automatic calibres developed by Vacheron & Constantin; it has an 18 K gold weight and a ruby ball bearing. The model was relaunched on the market in 2003 under the name "Toledo".