Vacheron Constantin Les Collectionneurs: A Vintage Showcase from Zürich

mrds · 2022-02-18T07:57:35Z

Explore vintage Vacheron Constantin Les Collectionneurs watches, including the Ref. 4178, Chronomètre Royal 6694, and minute repeaters. Insights from collectors on restoration and unique features.

mrds

WPS member · Vacheron Constantin forum

47 replies5377 views5 photos

Daniel (mrds) offers WatchProSite readers an exclusive look into a Vacheron Constantin Les Collectionneurs event at the Zürich boutique. His post highlights a curated selection of vintage timepieces, spanning from the 1910s to the 1950s, showcasing the brand's rich heritage. This article delves into the specific references and unique characteristics that make these vintage Vacheron Constantin watches highly sought after by collectors.

Yesterday the VC Zürich boutique organized a small get together to showcase a few pieces from their Les Collectionneurs offerings.

Here are some of the charming pieces, ranging from the 1910‘s to the 1950‘s.
(Apologies for the crappy pics, light was terrible and my photo skills just marginally better.)

A sweet yellow gold 4178

… and in steel, with gold hands and indexes

A 1940‘s triple calendar in pink gold

A top elegant beast: this understated, ultrathin minute repeater

Last but not least, the Chronometer Royale Batman Ref. 6694

As with all Les Collectionneurs pieces, all watches were in immaculate condition. Many of them feature perfectly restored dials and could easily pass as new, if it weren’t for the vintage style (whether this is more desirable than original condition is probably the topic of a separate thread).

Which one would you pick?

Best,
Daniel

Key Points from the Discussion

Another collector shared additional 'monster' pieces from the Les Collectionneurs event, expanding the visual showcase of vintage Vacheron Constantin watches.
The Vacheron Constantin Ref. 4178 in steel and the ultra-thin minute repeater were highlighted as particularly desirable pieces from the collection.
A collector expressed a strong attraction to the Chronomètre Royal Ref. 6694, despite a slight preference for it without the date window, and noted the resemblance of the triple calendar to current Historique models.
The original author shared that he owns a similar Vacheron Constantin Ref. 4178 with a yellow gold dial, providing a personal connection to the featured vintage models.
An interesting detail about the vintage minute repeater is the audible 'whirring' sound when initiated, a characteristic absent in current Vacheron Constantin minute repeaters due to a patented mechanism.
Vacheron Constantin's restoration process for Les Collectionneurs pieces ensures authenticity, with a Certificate of Authenticity. The brand previously omitted the '&' from redials but reverted due to collector feedback.

The Discussion

Watchonthewrist

Feb 18, 2022

But all gorgeous VCs

mrds

Feb 18, 2022

I love the steel 4178, and the Batman is just superb in white gold.

Jp75

Feb 18, 2022

Really like the 4178 in Steel and also (as dream) the ultra thin repeater. Hope to have the chance (CoViD restrictions permitting) to see the collectioneurs selection this year ? Thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures Cheers, Jérôme

mrds

Feb 18, 2022

That could have been the museum center piece.

mrds

Feb 18, 2022

The MR is fantastic, but I'm not sure I'd really wear it often.

mrds

Feb 18, 2022

One interesting comment from VC was that on this old model, you still hear the typical whirring sound when you initiate the MR. On their current MRs, this sound is not audible anymore, you only hear the gongs. He mentioned VS has a patent on this. (I'm just repeating what I heard, I have very little knowledge on minute repeaters)

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Vacheron Constantin Les Collectionneurs: A Vintage Showcase from Zürich

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