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Does anybody make nicer simple watches than VC?
Seriously, I can't think of a basic two or three hand dress watch from another company that I would rather wear, much less a whole catalog of great watches (American 1921, Chronometre Royal 1907, Patrimony Contemporaine and Patrimony Traditionnelle, Ultrathin (Ref 33093)).
Right now I am enamoured with this watch, the Patrimony Contemporaine Self Winding, Ref 86180. It reminds me of the classic three hand automatic watches from the 1950's-1960's, with a reasonably updated case size (40 mm).
The movement is the in-house caliber 2460 SC, stamped with the Geneva Seal:
I just love the applied mintue dots and hour markers, and the difference in depth between them. The silvered opaline dial looks good too:
Bill
💰210 Marketplace Listings for Vacheron Constantin›Vacheron Constantin Patrimony · 1 for sale · 1219 discussions›
Manufacture
Vacheron Constantin hosted events at Madison Avenue Watch Week, showcasing 2012 collections and discussing vintage timepiece value with experts.
1 replies1191 views
Review
Explore the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ultra-fine 1955. Christianch reviews this 36mm dress watch, highlighting its Caliber 1003 movement, 4N rose gold, and elegant design. Discover why this ultra-thin reference is a collector's favorite.
22 replies8023 views
Manufacture
Explore Vacheron Constantin's Paris boutique exclusive editions with foversta's detailed report. Discover the Patrimony Traditionnelle Small Seconds and Chronograph with unique guilloché dials, plus Metiers d'Art watches.
7 replies8033 views
Review
Review Vacheron Constantin's 2012 novelties: Malte Tourbillon, Patrimony Traditionnelle 14-day Tourbillon, and Overseas Chronograph blue dial.
6 replies2355 views
Collection
Discover the Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 New York Boutique Edition. Compare its yellow gold case and vintage dial to the standard model.
5 replies2727 views
Does anybody make nicer simple watches than VC?
Seriously, I can't think of a basic two or three hand dress watch from another company that I would rather wear, much less a whole catalog of great watches (American 1921, Chronometre Royal 1907, Patrimony Contemporaine and Patrimony Traditionnelle, Ultra...
I concur ...... no one
VC have great tradition of simple watches and skeleton ones Although some of independent pieces we all very well know are gorgeous + GP, Breguet and A.L&S have few aces in sleeve too Best Damian
Hi Damian...
I like the watches of all the brands you mentioned, not to mention some independent makers, but to me VC tops them all in terms of designing simple watches. I think Breguet shines brightest with the mid-range complications like the 3130 (Moonphase/Date/ P...
I actually owned an 1815...
the first generation, when it was 36 mm in diameter. I really like it and of all the watches I've ever owned it was my wife's favorite. The updated version doesn't work for me. The Richard Lange is really nice too, though I think I would choose the Chrono...
Too True
Totally agree Bill! VC has the knack for making "elegant" simple time-only watches. While Patek and Lange have beautiful pieces, they also reflect a rather severe outlook. Vacheron, IMHO, still keeps a romantic softness to their designs. The only alterati...
A blued second hand!
Now that wold be quite the vintage touch! I'm not surprised you suggested it knowing your taste for vintage VC's. Bill
While others also have made beautiful, simple, watches...
I don't think anybody has come to close to VC in terms of the numbers and types of elegant and beautiful watches - this includes new and vintage pieces. Not that they get it right every time, but VC's consistency with this, even when the styles are differ...
Well said, Dan...
And the focus on art rather than science is what we most care about when it comes time to strap a watch on. Does it look good and make me smile? Bill
That's currently very true but at one time...
...about a half century ago, Patek did. No idea why they stopped....
Nice Patek...
I like the hidden lugs. I think that VC was Patek's equal back in the 40's, 50's, and 60's, and I even prefer the fancy lug cases that VC more often used. While I am no big fan of oversized watches, I do prefer the 35 mm case typical of vintage VC over th...
Excellent watch and scans
Thanks for posting. Can you comment on the comfort of this piece? Greg
Thanks, Greg...
This watch is very comfortable on the wrist. I attribute this both to good design of the case and lugs as well as a very supple strap. Bill
This watch is lovely in pictures...
...but even better in person. The finish on the dial and gold rotor are outstanding. I've spent some time with CaliforniaJed's Patrimony Contemporaine, and was mightily impressed. Hopefully, he'll weigh in with some new pix of his watch, which differs fro...
Thanks, Daos...
that is a really nice watch too. For some reason I really like having the date window at 3 o'clock, even if it breaks up the symmetry of the dial. Bill
The gentle tapering and point at the end..
shows some real attention to detail. I wonder how many styles of hands they experiemented with in the design stage before selecting this set for the production version. Bill
Hard to beat, indeed
Hi, Bill, you own a true champion, indeed! I see only 3 or 4 which can compete with yours: Dufour Simplicity, of course. Romain Gauthier. PP 5196P Moser Mayu... The Champions league! Best, Nicolas...
Bill, beautiful watch indeed. Nicolas, I always like your taste.
g I'm just a Dufour, Gauthier and Patek away from your list! Best, Jed...
Nice competitive choices, Nicolas....
As for the design of the Simplicity I am one of the few who would prefer that watch in its 34 mm case. It is the one I came close to ordering. I have seen the Gauthier in person. Unfortunately for it, it shared the table with a Roger Smith Series Two. My ...
In general I too prefer manual...
but I'm not going to let that stop me from getting a cool watch! Bill
but....
the patrimony comes in manual and is exactly the same dial (40mm) as the first photo!!! Cheers
But the running seconds hand can be THAT important...
To some poeple, at least! Also, the extra thickness of the automatic over the manual is noticeable. Not better, just different. Bill
Bill, it is fantastic.
Thanks for sharing your pics. I have the automatic with date, and I share your opinion that this VC is nice and simple. I'd add elegant as a descriptor. Best, Jed...
I like the look of the VC that has the date very much.................
My other choice would be a Patek 5127G I do like my watch to have the date.
No one...
.... except VC Have a wonderful weekend! Matthew This message has been edited by rubysky on 2009-07-10 16:20:28 This message has been edited by rubysky on 2009-07-10 16:23:35...
Very nice platinum VC, Matthew.
This is such an elegant watch! Thans for sharing tis beauty with us. Best, Nicolas