The Vacheron Constantin reference 4870 is a rare and highly collectible reference from the golden era of mid-century dress watches. Produced in the 1950s and 1960s, this reference is often referred to as a "Jumbo" because of its unusually large 36mm case—a bold size at a time when most dress watches measured between 30 and 35mm. Its clean, minimalist design—with slim lugs, a thin bezel, and an understated dial—embodies the Calatrava aesthetic of pure elegance and functional beauty. Despite its name, the Calatrava style is more broadly associated with refined dress watches, and Vacheron Constantin’s interpretation is among the finest.
Inside the Ref. 4870 beats the legendary manual-wind Calibre P453/3B or P1008/BS, depending on the production period—movements known for their slim profile and chronometer-grade finishing. The watch’s dial variations (including sector dials, applied indices, and rare configurations) make each example highly individual and sought after by collectors. With its rare combination of large size, classic proportions, and mid-century Swiss craftsmanship, the Vacheron Constantin Ref. 4870 represents a pure expression of postwar Swiss elegance—and one of the most desirable vintage dress watches from one of the Holy Trinity Maisons.
