Vacheron Constantin - A follow-up on two VC profiles

A follow-up on two VC profiles

Bill started a fun thread on the profiles of Vacheron Constantin watches not too long ago:

vacheron.watchprosite.com

Then his post on listing your three favorite owned or handled VCs this week got me thinking, which is never a good thing. Alex and Radek both posted their beautiful Qdls, a watch line that I have slowly been warming up to.

So, I decided to do a side-by-side comparison of the Overseas and the Qdl:

[The Overseas is mine and the Qdl belongs to Alex as does the image -- fortunately we both had ours on their rubber straps for a better apples-to-apples comparison.]

I love the profiles of both of these so much. Both are so architectural. One can see that these two share Vacheron DNA, no?

In fact, both watches have a tonneau shape with round dials and bezels, with the flanks of the cases gently curving outward. The lugs of the Qdl are given a step, which I think makes them a bit more interesting than the Overseas' lugs. They share a similar downturn in the lugs, which helps the watch conform to the wrist. On both watches, one can observe some very fine polished sharp edges on the lugs and flanks contrasting with the brushed metals. The contrast in metal finishes overall on each is lovely. Each has a convex back, which in the case of the Overseas (the only one for which I can speak from significant experience) helps to make the watch appear and wear thinner than its measurements.

In the end, I think the Qdl's profile is somewhat more elegant due to the gently sweeping curve of the case, although part of that has to do with the angle of the photograph. And this effect is also due, in part, to the polished overhangs at top and bottom of the flanks. I think the Overseas achieves a slightly more industrial look, and yet it remains very elegant for a sports watch.

Could one easily fit both of these watches into a collection? Well, sure, why not?

At any rate, I have been meaning to take a closer look at these two profiles.

Best,

respo

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Nice profile

By: WHL : October 3rd, 2012-08:57

And here is another profile photo from my review of the QDI from a while ago: The bottom edge of the flank is flat while the upper edge is arched, giving that sweeping effect that is so appealing. It is even more pronounced on the rose gold or palladium c...

Nice photo

By: respo : October 3rd, 2012-08:59

That actually shows off the elegant lines better without the "distraction" of the crown. Really beautiful. respo

Overseas all the more impressive

By: Tick Talk : October 3rd, 2012-12:05

considering that its slim profile compares well with the QdI, yet it is 5X more water-resistant!

Good point...I had not thought of that

By: respo : October 3rd, 2012-12:25

The Overseas simply makes a lot of sense to me because I, at least, need a robust, water resistant piece in my collection, and I prefer to have one made by Vacheron. But I had not thought about the relative thickness relative to water resistance between t...

Doesn't that depend...

By: yesjb : October 4th, 2012-06:43

on the machining and the type of gaskets or other methods they use to provide the water proofing seals, rather than the thickness. The method of treating the metal to withstand pressure I would never swim with the Overseas, let alone dive with it. I have ...

You may be right, Joseph, but...

By: respo : October 4th, 2012-06:57

...you would not swim with your Overseas? Heaven knows I am very cautious with my watches, but I would swim with my Overseas. Not that I have. Yet. I guess I am all talk and no action. ;-) I agree, I would not dive with it, and like you I would opt for a ...

I applaud you Sir!

By: Tick Talk : October 4th, 2012-07:32

Wear it like you stole it ;-) ...

I'm super cautious through bad experience. My general rule is....

By: yesjb : October 4th, 2012-11:46

If the watch is rated at 50-100 metres it's OK to shower with it. If its 100m+ its OK to swim with it. To dive with it it should be a minimum of 300m. The problem with all the sports watches is the the gaskets wear over time especially if they're in the w...

testing for water-resistance

By: Tick Talk : October 4th, 2012-16:16

Joseph, you bring up a good point about the reality of water-resistance ratings. The problem is that the general water-resistance tests conducted under ISO standard 2281 are done in static water and virtually meaningless as swimming or any other motions u...

Exactly my point, but

By: yesjb : October 4th, 2012-19:36

so much more eloquently put :-)

I'm cautious about leaving the chrono pushers and crown unscrewed on the OS as well

By: dshao1 : October 4th, 2012-16:58

I don't think I would ever consciously do it with the crowns, and never for the chronograph pushers. But, I had both my OS Automatic and OS Chronometer serviced last year, part of their SOP was to change the crowns and crown stems. When I got them back, I...

Very interesting, Dan

By: respo : October 5th, 2012-05:13

Were they able to shorten the stems when you brought the watches back or do they still look too long? But that is very interesting that the water resistance is tested "while the crowns are NOT screwed down," and that the water resistance is not reliant on...

Surprising news Dan!

By: Tick Talk : October 5th, 2012-07:09

I'm gobsmacked to hear this! What is the point of the screw-down pushers and crown then? I've heard just the opposite, that WR isn't even warrantied if the crown isn't fully screwed down. Certainly like to hear this info confirmed by the manufacture...and...

My understanding

By: hewitgar : October 13th, 2012-05:29

Is that the screw down collars are to protect the pushers from physical knocks... Similar to crown guards. Best Gary

That sounds reasonable to me Gary, thanks! (nt)

By: dshao1 : October 13th, 2012-14:26

v&c

A little follow-up

By: dshao1 : October 8th, 2012-13:06

HI Robert and Dean, I was in NYC again today and made another trip to the VC Boutique to talk with Eduardo, the on-site Master Watchmaker. He says that when he does a full servicing of a VC OS, that he will also test the water resistance with the crown un...

Thanks, Dan

By: respo : October 8th, 2012-17:49

I appreciate your continuing the research on this topic. I especially appreciate reading Eduardo's good advice: Eduardo strongly recommends making sure that the crown is screwed down before entering water (and not to enter heated water). This is more like...

Thanks for clearing up my misconception Dan

By: Tick Talk : October 9th, 2012-07:01

Thanks, Dan

By: yesjb : October 9th, 2012-07:45

(and Eduardo). I feel relieved that I was doing the right thing. :-) Best, Joseph