WHL
[VC Moderator]
4922
Malte Grand Classique
I got the chance to examine a yellow gold model today at the Vacheron retailer in Cambridge, MA. Let's just say that I hope to have one for daily exmamination on my wrist in the future!
I'd give the watch positive marks for the various design elements. I find the Malte case very attractive in its many implementations and that goes here as well-elegantly masculine. The engine-turned dial with its wave pattern radiating out from the smooth sub-seconds register provides an engaging texture that induces the eye to linger longer than necessary for simple time telling. The gold sword hands make for easy telling of the time (The hand issue that TM noticed in the Dual Time Regulatuer is not present here). The applied baton hour markers are also of a pleasing shape-tapering in slightly towards the center of the dial, echoing the shape the the sword hands while not copying them (perhaps we should call them "applied dagger markers"). The Malte crown is well proportioned to the case and is easy enough to grip though other watches are better in this regard. I'll pass on describing the feel and sound of winding this watch as this aspect is best left as a sensory excercise to my readers (I can't think of a better homework assignment!). Finally, the transparent case back shows off VC's 1400 movement. Some people have expressed reservations about the movement ring (sharing the same wave pattern as the dial), but all I can say is that it works. The movement itself is visually stunning and is stamped with the Geneva Seal.
Cheers,
Bill