Vacheron Constantin Photo Thread

[learningtofly]

I know there are a fair few Vacherons on the forum, but in relative terms we don't see many of them. I thought it might be nice to start a photo thread for the brand, though, as IMO they're real lookers.

Mine is a 1st generation Overseas 49140 from 2001. Launched in 1999 and in production until 2004, this was Vacheron’s first sports chronograph. It was made in about 500 pieces in yellow gold and a bit over 2000 in steel; this reference used the Frederic Piguet 1185 as the base for what became the VC automatic calibre 1137, although when Vacheron were finished with it, well... it looked quite beautiful (albeit that you can’t see the damned thing!). In its revised form it also sported the large date, one of the things for which the brand would become known.





Just to add, I still have a WTB for a 222, if anyone can assist!

[Tony-GB]

These are gorgeous watches and your photo does it justice Tony. Glorious!

[learningtofly]

These are gorgeous watches and your photo does it justice Tony. Glorious!

Thanks, Tony. It's actually one of those watches that's nicer in the metal than any photo can demonstrate. I'm certainly relieved that I chose this one to keep of the two white-dialled chronos I had.

Hopefully we'll see some more examples of this lovely brand.

[MartynJC (UK)]

I guess I’d better share a couple of pics. This is the latest generation overseas with blue sunburst dial. 4500V with the in-house geneve seal Cal 5100 - and superb 3 bracelet/ clasp system included with the hallmark Maltese Cross motif.

antimagnetic but still open case and 150m wrt. What more do you want?

Pete I see you have one too!

Couple of pictures





Martyn.

[peterdo]

I guess I’d better share a couple of pics. This is the latest generation overseas with blue sunburst dial. 4500V with the in-house geneve seal Cal 5100 - and superb 3 bracelet/ clasp system included with the hallmark Maltese Cross motif.

antimagnetic but still open case and 150m wrt. What more do you want?

Pete I see you have one too!

Couple of pictures





Martyn.

Right...need to get myself bc a decent camera...that pic of the case back is incredible!

It was your write up, combined with Chisholm Hunter opening a flagship store in the Argyll Arcade that I ended up with this magnificent watch, thanks again!

Pete


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[Dynam0humm]

That balance jewel spring is making my teeth itch...

[TaketheCannoli]

Some of the watches in this thread are as good as anything you'll ever see or own. I've said this for a while now, if I could have any watch in the world it would be Martyn's VC. I'll never own one, not many can at these prices, so I'll simply admire the pure class of the design, materials and finishing from afar.

[Kelv_w]

[wileeeeeey]

Thanks - I’m really pleased with it.

Beautiful

Some of the watches in this thread are as good as anything you'll ever see or own. I've said this for a while now, if I could have any watch in the world it would be Martyn's VC. I'll never own one, not many can at these prices, so I'll simply admire the pure class of the design, materials and finishing from afar.

Exact reason I love being a part of this forum

[Devonian]

Thanks, Tony. It's actually one of those watches that's nicer in the metal than any photo can demonstrate. I'm certainly relieved that I chose this one to keep of the two white-dialled chronos I had.

Hopefully we'll see some more examples of this lovely brand.

Your watch is a stunner Tony and your comment about being nicer in the metal is certainly true of VC’s in general I’d say. When Martyn did an incoming of his blue overseas I was extremely impressed. I found myself spending a lot of time looking at various VC’s and eventually I had ‘mentally’ decided I wanted an overseas chrono in blue, which was to be my 50th present to myself. The fact that I’d never spent 25k on a single watch was the stumbling block - could I, would I?

Not having seen one in the flesh, I wouldn’t have taken the risk. Also I’ve just recently bought two watches and I’d want to sell at least two, if not three to justify something as grand as this. I think I could have let three go as with the three straps it kind of covers it. Which 3 though? I did make a tentative enquiry as to the value of my hulk (11k at the time) for number crunching purchases.

Fast forward a few weeks and I’m in St Maarten which happens to have a shop with both a Patek and VC dealership. (I’d researched beforehand and they’ve been around for years). Incredibly they have a blue overseas chrono. It is totally stunning in the flesh, in fact it makes their website pictures look quite poor in comparison. I guess that sunburst blue is difficult to capture on film.

At the time the virus situation was growing, there were rumours of the ship we were on being grounded, you only have a few hours in a port, you have VAT issues on return and I hadn’t sold any of my watches. He offered it to me for around £19,000 if I paid by bank transfer or £22,000 on a credit card which seemed odd to be honest. Too many negatives for me - right decision as the cruise is then cancelled, we’re isolated at sea for 10 days and we get back to lockdown here.

Since then everything has changed. Who knows how things will go and whether I ever get one.

Again, stunning watch Tony and great thread idea. Stephen

[learningtofly]

Your watch is a stunner Tony and your comment about being nicer in the metal is certainly true of VC’s in general I’d say. When Martyn did an incoming of his blue overseas I was extremely impressed. I found myself spending a lot of time looking at various VC’s and eventually I had ‘mentally’ decided I wanted an overseas chrono in blue, which was to be my 50th present to myself. The fact that I’d never spent 25k on a single watch was the stumbling block - could I, would I?

Not having seen one in the flesh, I wouldn’t have taken the risk. Also I’ve just recently bought two watches and I’d want to sell at least two, if not three to justify something as grand as this. I think I could have let three go as with the three straps it kind of covers it. Which 3 though? I did make a tentative enquiry as to the value of my hulk (11k at the time) for number crunching purchases.

Fast forward a few weeks and I’m in St Maarten which happens to have a shop with both a Patek and VC dealership. (I’d researched beforehand and they’ve been around for years). Incredibly they have a blue overseas chrono. It is totally stunning in the flesh, in fact it makes their website pictures look quite poor in comparison. I guess that sunburst blue is difficult to capture on film.

At the time the virus situation was growing, there were rumours of the ship we were on being grounded, you only have a few hours in a port, you have VAT issues on return and I hadn’t sold any of my watches. He offered it to me for around £19,000 if I paid by bank transfer or £22,000 on a credit card which seemed odd to be honest. Too many negatives for me - right decision as the cruise is then cancelled, we’re isolated at sea for 10 days and we get back to lockdown here.

Since then everything has changed. Who knows how things will go and whether I ever get one.

Again, stunning watch Tony and great thread idea. Stephen

Oooh... so near but so far. At least you got home safely, mate!

[peterdo]

The 4500V I bought at the end of last year, most versatile watch I own due to the quick change on the bracelet or strap. Wears really well, feels like a high end watch and has the most unbelievable dial, changes colour depending on light and angles like nothing I’ve seen before.

18 months until my 40th, where I was convinced I was going to get a dress PP, I’m now seriously considering a VC, alongside the AP Code


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[Itsguy]

Here’s mine, from the same vintage as LTF’s Chrono, the 42042 1st Gen Overseas. The dial has a lovely subtle grey sunburst, which the photos don’t capture. They measure 37mm and are very thin, using VC’s reworked and improved GP ebauche. There are two other similar references, which are smaller, and a quartz.







And one I picked up for my partner, the ladies model of the 222:





Would love to add a VC dress watch one day.

[learningtofly]

Here’s mine, from the same vintage as LTF’s Chrono, the 42042 1st Gen Overseas. The dial has a lovely subtle grey sunburst, which the photos don’t capture. They measure 37mm and are very thin, using VC’s reworked and improved GP ebauche. There are two other similar references, which are smaller, and a quartz.





And one I picked up for my partner, the ladies model of the 222:





Would love to add a VC dress watch one day.

Beautiful, but I can’t believe your other half has a 222. I’ve had a WTB for one for a while now but don’t hold out much hope.

[Kash]

These are popular on this thread and for a reason! I’ve had many of the most obvious trinity steels except a vc and wow this doesn’t disappoint. Feels as high end as it is, and that dial. Black to blue and shades between.




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[Caruso]

Why anyone would buy a Daytona over one of these is one of WISdom's great mysteries.

[Nev]

Why anyone would buy a Daytona over one of these is one of WISdom's great mysteries.

Have to say I agree with this. A couple of years back I was lucky enough to get to try one the same as Tonys, it was pre owned at the local AD and I was actually in to pick something else up, if I hadn't been I would have left with the VC. Everything about it was quality and, for me, a Daytona doesn't even come close.

Would also add the 47040 that Marcel had for sale earlier this year, I wish I had inquired about it, also a stunning watch.

[learningtofly]

Why anyone would buy a Daytona over one of these is one of WISdom's great mysteries.

Have to say I agree with this. A couple of years back I was lucky enough to get to try one the same as Tonys, it was pre owned at the local AD and I was actually in to pick something else up, if I hadn't been I would have left with the VC. Everything about it was quality and, for me, a Daytona doesn't even come close.

Hard not to agree, given that I sold a Daytona and kept this. That said, I think dismissing the Daytona without regard for its very real quality is a mistake made by too many.

[crazyp]

Hard not to agree, given that I sold a Daytona and kept this. That said, I think dismissing the Daytona without regard for its very real quality is a mistake made by too many.

People dismiss the Daytona too often, it's still a cracking watch. The VC is different, I guess it doesn't have that same baggage attached to it.

As for VC - not owned, but I have a few I'd like to try. The blue time/date overseas is certainly on my radar. As are a few others.

A note on the blue overseas - it comes from the same dial manufacturer that makes the FP Journe Chronomtre Bleu. Rumour has it the process to make the VC blue is exactly the same. So it most certainly comes with predigree!

[dforgrieve]

Even if this was available to buy, I could not afford it. Doesn’t stop me wanting it though...



https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/th...orn-on-everest

Dave

[SteveM112]

Why anyone would buy a Daytona over one of these is one of WISdom's great mysteries.

Pretty much my favourite piece that I do not currently own.
For me the 1st generation with the White dial is just about as good as it gets.
Never actually had the opportunity to hold or try one over the years
plenty of later versions which for me just don’t compare
but there is nothing about this generation that I do not like..


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[893bet]

My 42040. Wearing this a little more lately and appreciating its excellence. My only watch on bracelet.



the host images


[url=https://postimages.org/]anonymous image hosting[/url

[Jari37]

New as I am to this, VC was not a brand I was aware of. But good lord they are things of beauty. Thanks for the pics everyone.

[mtagrant]

Owned my second generation for around a year and had to go to make way for something else.

Loved the bracelet and dial, and having owned an Aquanaut, I would say it is step up from that.

[thegreatdogwood]

Owned my second generation for around a year and had to go to make way for something else.

Loved the bracelet and dial, and having owned an Aquanaut, I would say it is step up from that.

I have a second gen dual time on steel. Totally agree, the bracelet and dial are absolutely top notch

[Kitz]

Class is permanent.


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[893bet]

I think the second generation is the pick of the bunch personally.

[learningtofly]

Sunday morning porn...

[Jari37]

Sunday morning porn...

Yeah you could actually be prosecuted under the Obscene Communications Act (2003) for that.

[learningtofly]

Yeah you could actually be prosecuted under the Obscene Communications Act (2003) for that.

[crazyp]

I think the second generation is the pick of the bunch personally.

I agree - there is a certain refinement in the current generation, the dial colouring is better for instance, but in terms of design, the second is ace.

[11erv]

Wish I could join in :-(

[Kelv_w]

Here's my FiftySix









and my Traditionelle, no new pics yet

[learningtofly]

Here's my FiftySix

and my Traditionelle, no new pics yet

Two beautiful watches!!! Always loved the Fiftysix Complete Calendar.

[crazyp]

Here's my FiftySix







and my Traditionelle, no new pics yet

A lot of underrated VCs out there. I also like their Day/date model, a very nice layout.

What traditionelle did u get?

[peterdo]

That dial...takes it beyond PP and AP in my view for dress watches. The Fifty-Six was my other option when I bought the Overseas, beautiful watch, couldn’t believe how light it was on


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[NickRed71]

My 42042




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[Thom4711]

Go on, then, I'll play. Think I'm in the minority for preferring the overseas on the bracelet.

[wuyangkid]

Go on, then, I'll play. Think I'm in the minority for preferring the overseas on the bracelet.

Amazing. Hoping for these to drop to around the 12k mark so I can get my hands on one

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[peterdo]

Bracelet isn’t heavy, wears really well and is nothing like an AP bracelet and probably lighter than the bracelet on my Milgauss as a comparison

The current version comes with a micro-adjustment on the bracelet as well, just need to pull the bracelet either side of the clasp and it gives probably 2mm, very clever design


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[peterdo]

Compared it to the black overseas Chrono, but once you handle the blue, it’s hard to turn it down. Was originally in for the brown dial, but it’s discontinued, think it looks magnificent also


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[crazyp]

… currently sealed in a small 'Really Useful' box awaiting a new crystal


Also have another vintage gold VC but no pics apart from Photo Bucket with watermark … will re-photograph and post


dunk

That looks beautiful! Easy enough to get a crystal for it?

Compared it to the black overseas Chrono, but once you handle the blue, it’s hard to turn it down. Was originally in for the brown dial, but it’s discontinued, think it looks magnificent also


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Having tried both on, blue over black as well in the 3 hander. For the chrono or dual timer, I'd say it's much closer however the black looks really good, especially the panda chrono.

[sundial]

That looks beautiful! Easy enough to get a crystal for it?

……...

Movement with dial was removed from case to clean off dust specks from dial and clean inside of crystal … crystal then 'popped out' and it broke when I tried to compress and refit ... It's a very slim crystal for an ultra-thin watch … Rather than risk breaking a new crystal (assuming can source one) I'll probably ask my watchmaker to source and fit when the watch is serviced. Crystal is so thin there is no 'edge' to safely compress with my crystal lift.

dunk

[sundial]

Another classic Vacheron & Constantin










Caliber P453/30; caliber 453 also engraved on case … see photo LHS. Movement SN 485114 dates it to 1945/50 … might be possible to obtain a more accurate date of manufacture if an archive extract / authenticity certificate obtained from VC.






Unfortunately I cannot find a UK hallmark anywhere on the case to help date the watch more accurately.



Caliber 453 series information:

https://www.watchprosite.com/page-wf...open_bLoB_s-0/


BW


dunk

[Kelv_w]

Thanks for the sharing the vintage VCs. i love them and the more I learn more about it, the more I appreciate its design over the years.

[hughtrimble]

Just to add, I still have a WTB for a 222, if anyone can assist!

I can see why. That is gorgeous.
Love the little Vacheron maltese cross embedded in the case.

[mhurley]

My 4500

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[MartynJC (UK)]

Ohhhh - I'd love one of these...

[crazyp]

Ohhhh - I'd love one of these...

You won the lottery Martyn?

[Eamonn345]

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