quattro
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The Vacheron Constantin Aronde & its background
Vacheron Constantin Les Historiques Aronde 1954 ref. 81018 was first introduced in 2010 in a white gold version limited to 20 pieces for the Japanese market.
In 2011, a non limited rose gold variant was launched.
This reference was inspired by four previous models from the 1950s and it was named after the wings of a swallow ("aronde" being an old French word for swallow).
Let's dive in!
Best, Emmanuel
A/ Les Historiques Aronde 1954 ref. 81018
Case: 31.20 x 44.5 x 9.8 mm
Movement: round calibre 1400 AS. NB: whereas the vintage models had a proper shaped calibre, the newer ref. 81018 was equipped with a round calibre.
1/ Ref. 81018/000G-9559 in white gold limited to 20 pieces
credit: Commit Ginza (1-6), @wristlife (7-8), jackroad and betty (9) & small luxury world (10)
2/ Ref. 81018/000R-9657 in rose gold
The Aronde 1954 (left) with the Ultra-Fine 1968, ref. 43043 (right)
The watch with calibre 1400 AS
credit: the eclecticum & watchbase (last photo)
B/ The original "Aronde" from 1954, ref. 4984
Case: 24 x 39 mm & shaped caliber 435/3C
Ref. 4984 (right) with ref. 4897 (left)
credit: aircooltime
2/ Examples with other dials
Without pattern
With hobnail pattern
credit: watchviews & antiquorum
Calibre 435/3C
With hobnail pattern
credit: watchviews & antiquorum
Calibre 435/3C
credit: lorologiese
C/ Ref. 4591 "The Hour Glass"
23 x 39 mm, cal. 435/3C
2/ White gold with diamond indexes
credit: Watchpool
D/ Ref. 4775 "Butterfly"
21 x 40,5 x 9 mm, cal. 435/3C
credit: Phillips
2/ White gold with diamond indexes
credit: antiquorum
E/ Ref. 4739 "Topolino" (Mickey Mouse)
26 x 37 mm, cal. 435/3C
credit: antiquorum
BONUS: Swallow's wings ("Aronde" is an old French word for swallow) and the Simca "Aronde" from 1959
credit: Daniel Knaggs & wikipedia
The Vacheron Constantin Aronde & its background
Vacheron Constantin Les Historiques Aronde 1954 ref. 81018 was first introduced in 2010 in a white gold version limited to 20 pieces for the Japanese market. In 2011 , a non limited rose gold variant was launched. This reference was inspired by four previ...
Yes, beautiful.
But I tend to prefer the vintage version from 1954, both aesthetically (no “6”) and because of the shaped caliber. Best, Emmanuel
Saw the modern version in Japan...
...it's really nice. I think I prefer this case to the Patek 'manta' case. But haven't seen them side-by-side. Too bad about the round movement...
Yes too bad.
And movement wise the Manta Ray is far more attractive. But I’d definitely like to see them side by side. Best, Emmanuel
I think I like the original version (without the "6") even more than
the reedition. Best, Emmanuel
Because of the movement of the 5100,
which is far more interesting than VC's 1400, I would choose the PP, without hesitation, I think. I haven't seen the Aronde for real, though. Best, Emmanuel
Thanks for this outstanding presentation
The Japanese LE is a pleasant revelation but the vintage versions really sing! In particular the beautifully delicate lugs, shaped calibre, and intricate dials reveal an investment in design and construction that is not matched with the modern offering. I...
Thank you so much, Tick Talk!
I'm glad the Simca brought something extra. And I completely agree with you concerning the vintage versions: so well done. Best, Emmanuel
Didn't know the Swallow reference!
But now I see it! Thank you for this education!!! I really enjoy the informative posts - I feel I often learn something!
Thank you so much, Patrick.
I'm glad if there happens to be anything new in what I post. Best, Emmanuel
This is another amazing post quattro!👏🏽👏🏽🤣
I was hoping to see a platinum version there, but unfortunately there was none. Still, greatly informative post. There was even a VC cubitus included, which maybe could be a future post subject. Thanks again 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Thank you so much!
I will definitely make a post concerning the square ref. 43043. Best, Emmanuel
Only 20 pieces, so even hunting for good photos was difficult
and took me a lot of time... But finding the watch itself might not be impossible. Best, Emmanuel
I have been drooling over this piece for quite sometime. I have located a beautiful example fully serviced as of May 25 from VC. Complete with extract and 2 year warranty.
Your review is pushing ever so close . All the best Emmanuel, Tony
Oh, this is excellent news, Tony!
Is it the white gold Japanese variant or the rose gold one? I'm very much looking forward to seeing photos of this beautiful timepiece. Best, Emmanuel