Vacheron Constantin

SIHH in 2007 happened after I had committed to the buying the tourbillon, so I am including watches introduced that April, which showed up in dealer showcases that autumn. The introduction of the Patrimony Traditionnelle collection happened that year, and it has proven to be a very popular line for VC. The Caliber 2755 has one of the most satisfying minute repeaters that I have ever heard in a wristwatch, being loud, resonant, and in tune. That it has a tourbillon and perpetual calendar makes it even more special. It is a signature piece for the brand and the anchor of the Patrimony Traditionnelle collection, here pictured in the platinum version recently introduced:

After retiring the old skeleton perpetual, Ref 43032, which I had the pleasure to own, VC relaunched the complication in the Patrimony Traditionnelle line, and it is more beautiful than ever. The artisan who does the engraving on Vacheron Constantin’s skeleton watches has taken the art to an even higher leve (Photo courtesy of Alex Ghotbi)l:

Then there is the affordable model that I adore, the Self-Winding Patrimony Traditionnelle, with subseconds at 9 o’clock and date at 3 o’clock. I wrote an in-depth review of the watch and I like it as much today as I did then. This watch is on my shortlist to acquire now that I am reentering the market for VC watches, though choosing between the white gold, yellow gold (Am I the only person left in this world who likes yellow gold?), and rose gold/black dial Boutique Edition will be a challenge.

Later in 2007, Vacheron Constantin celebtated the 100^th anniversary of the Chronometer Royal by introducing the Chronometer Royal 1907.  VC’s in-house automatic caliber 2460 SC carries the COSC certificate and has earned the Geneva Hallmark. The dial displays some of the finest execution of enamel techniques that you will find. The first 100 watches of this model are distinguished by a red 12. Current production has a black 12:

2008 was the year that Vacheron Constantin launched the Quai de l’Ile. As a fan of what I call “new watchmaking,” I was pleased to see the brand embrace a more modern approach to design and use of materials. I wrote a review of the Day-Date Power Reserve, Ref 85050 last year, and the Self-Winding Date in titanium, Ref 86050 is on my shortlist:

Later in 2008 Vacheron Constantin introduced the breathtakingly beautiful American 1921, with the new in-house caliber 4400.  Based on a model from 1921 that was made in only 10 examples, this limited production watch stirs the passions and makes me smile. Needless to say it is on my shortlist:

The Malte line has evolved into exclusively tonneau shaped cases, and there are two models that I find really compelling: the Chronograph, Ref 48180, for which I wrote an in-depth review, and the Moon Phase and Power Reserve, Ref 83080. The expansive cases and multiple finishing on the dial are beautiful:

If Vacheron Constantin makes a variation with the caliber 2475 (Day-Date-Power Reserve) I don’t think I will be able to resist it!

While I like the watches that were introduced this past year, most of them were variations on existing themes and won’t displace those three watches (QDI, Patrimony, 1921) that are already on my short list.

If you were WHL, which of those three would you start with to get back into the VC game?

Bill