Horological Meandering

Vacheron Constantin Overseas 1^st Gen Type 2 - 42042/432A

Introduced in 1996 if I am not wrong as VC -42040/432A with a GP cal 3100-based, mod as their cal 1310 and later cal 1311 with COSC certified. 

This piece, the Vacheron Reference No 42042/423A is one of the last few units produced and comes with the cal 1311 with COSC cert. It has a diameter of 37mm and a thickness of 8mm.

It is small in diameter by today’s standard.

Power reserve of about 40hours, it is water resistant to 150m! The Royal Oak classic have not come close to this level.

Case back:

It has the most pretty case back with the engraving. If you compare Royal Oak vs Overseas vs Neptune (even the 3700 nautilus).

Bracelet:

It has a comfortable bracelet although not as robust as the Gen2 Overseas but at times, it kink and may catch a few hair on your arm.

Look – ceramic or Teflon bearings in the 90s? It seems the new Tudor Chrono Heritage has this too.

Patek Philippe 5080/1A

Introduced in 1996, it is one of the forgotten Patek Philippe timepiece ever made and it comes with a 315/190 cal. (non hacking).

It is small in diameter by today’s standard.

Power reserve of about 40hours and no hacking. Its water resistant is unknown level even it has screw down crown and screw case back but no data is available for its water resistance but one Japanese magazine published that it has a 60m water resistant and this is not bad for such as slim watch.

Case back:

It has a simple case back with no engraving or serial number and easily scratched. 

Bracelet:

It has the most comfortable bracelet although not as robust as the Royal Oak IMHO and it doesn't kink or catch a few hair.

I don't have a AP 14790ST (36mm) to compare but I have a spare 5402ST in the drawer.

Born in late 1974, it comes with a 39mm…..big size during the 70s but perfect by today’s standard.

It has a slim case too. There is a myriad of review for this piece and I am no expert to comment as a beginner.

They don't look much different and they all wear wonderfully under the sleeves or with T-shirt during weekend.

I am not the expert to give a more detail comparison but I leave it to your judgement to appreciate the 36-37mm wrist watch of the 90s. Please forgive me for this beginner’s write up if the details are incorrect.

Remember these are not the common steed you see every day (like rolex) and not in demand. I am happy with just these simple looking watches as a rookie in collecting. Should you pick up one?