Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ultra-Fine 1955: A 5-Year Collector's Review

Review

Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ultra-Fine 1955: A 5-Year Collector's Review

By christianch · Jun 18, 2020 · 67 replies

WPS member · Vacheron Constantin forum

67 replies19300 views4 photos

Christianch's five-year review of his Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ultra-Fine 1955 offers a compelling argument for its versatility beyond a traditional dress watch. His insights challenge conventional notions, positioning this ultra-thin marvel as an elegant everyday companion, even for the home office. This article explores christianch's long-term ownership experience and synthesizes community perspectives on this distinguished reference.

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As a recovering watches-addict

I am enjoying my past purchases. Here is the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ultra-Fine 1955 bought in late 2015.

You might think that this is just a dress watch.

I think that is much more: an elegant every day watch (but of course not for the beach or sports!) not just for the office but -- especially relevant in 2020 -- the home office.

It fits particularly wear if you wear a formal shirt (which many do even in home office. Being at home doesn't always mean being dressed down when you work).

I would say that in the past these watches would see the light just in special occasion: the opera, a special event. But I think that every day is special!

But now some photos including the movement:

With many watches I didn't wear this as much as I would have liked but I plan to give to this watch a bit more wrist time

I don't think is a watch for everyone (e.g. in the same style the Patrimony Manual Winding is not very thick either and at a much better price) but it is a gorgeous piece perhaps more for the connoisseur that really wants a very thin watch with smaller proportions.

In the past 5 years though this watch has been a very trusted companion for all these days when I felt that "less is more"

The strap is also fantastic. Very soft, shiny black fits perfectly with the watch and confers a lot of character.

The movement gives us a bit of an explanation on why this is truly different than a patrimony: the movement is in gold and thinner than a 20 Swiss cents coin.

In the past years the big trend was sport watches: as we all know you can't get many sport models or there is a huge wait list everywhere. Not so much for dress watches (may be because the lifestyle has changed...may be even more with home office) and indeed a sport watch is very versatile. Yet something magically elegant happens when you wear this watch. Perhaps you are transported to a different time, a different vibe. It is not a watch to show off because most people won't noticed it or identify it as being special. I recall seeing this watch before and not being sure if I would enjoy it as much.

I did and I look forward to many more years with this very special Vacheron Constantin Ultra-fine.

Key Points from the Discussion

The Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ultra-Fine 1955 offers a distinct wearing experience, feeling like no other watch on the wrist due to its exceptional thinness.
Compared to a Vacheron Patrimony (6.79 mm) or a Patek Philippe Calatrava 5196R (7.68 mm), the Historiques Ultra-Fine 1955's significantly thinner profile (4.1 mm) is noticeable on the wrist, appealing to those who prioritize extreme slimness.
While primarily a dress watch, the Historiques Ultra-Fine 1955 is versatile enough for smart casual occasions, aligning with the idea that 'every day is special' and dressing well can provide a subtle advantage.
Concerns exist regarding the long-term reliability and durability of ultra-thin movements, specifically the 2.9 mm caliber 1003, for daily wear, prompting questions about service history and component longevity.
The Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ultra-Fine 1955 is considered one of the most desirable manual-wind, time-only watches, with its appeal potentially rising alongside other classic, understated references like the Ellipse.
Some collectors, while appreciating the Historiques Ultra-Fine 1955's design and movement, ultimately opt for similar but thicker alternatives like the Patek Philippe 5227, seeking modern features such as a date complication.

The Discussion

JL

jleno

Jun 18, 2020

Looks great on your wrist as well, a perfect size!

CH

christianch

Jun 18, 2020

the size is really nice. I don't mind bigger watches but this has a special balance/proportions.

LS

LS

Jun 18, 2020

The VC 1003 is a fantastic acheivement.

HA

hackingseconds

Jun 18, 2020

What a beautiful timepiece you got there. I would wear it frequently as well, with a matte brown alligator strap it will go well with a lot of outfits.

PU

Pun

Jun 18, 2020

Wear it in good health.

AG

agyzace

Jun 18, 2020

Thanks for sharing this superb piece Christian! Alex

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