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A visit to the Florentine VC Boutique
The Vacheron Constantin Boutique in Florence is located on the famous Ponte Vecchio, which has been since 1593, according to the order of Ferdinando I dei Medici, reserved for goldsmiths and goldsmiths' shops.
Above the entrance, one can admire the tabernacle mural painted by Giovanni da San Giovanni in 1592, which is the only mural that decorates the bridge. 
Inside the boutique I was first presented the rose gold Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph ref. 5100T/000R-B623.
Like all the other watches I have seen during this visit, it was wrapped in plastic, which made the experience far less enjoyable.
And I must say that this reference, with its fairly large case (42.4 x 11.7), left me a bit disappointed. I was unfortunately underwhelmed, even if it is a model I admire on the paper.
Calibre 3200 is a stunning manual winding 2.5 Hz movement, but it was hard to fully enjoy it behind the plastic wrap...
Then, I was able to try on the new 270th Anniversary Traditionnelle Manual-Winding, ref. 82172.
The platinum variant (ref. 82172/000P-H062), was the easy winner over the pink gold one (ref. 82172/000R-H118): elegant and understated and much more consistent with the white patterned dial and the gray strap.
The dial pattern was much better in real life than on photos, but I have to be completely honest: I was wearing my Patek Philippe Ref. 5098P and my feeling is that a true hand-guilloché dial is really something else compared to this stamped dial, even if it is of very high quality.
As for the anniversary "côte unique" finish of the movement, it definitely feels special, but I think I prefer the regular "côtes de Genève".
Finally, I was shown two Métiers d'Art Tribute To Traditional Symbols watches with a 38 mm case.
First, the rose gold Eternal Flow, ref. 2400A/000R-H024, which pays tribute to Chinese cultural tradition, highlighting a highly symbolic motif : the "Seawater Cliff", combining the fluidity of water against the force of the mountain.
The rotor is also decorated with the "Seawater Cliff" motif.
Then, the pink gold Moonlight Slivers, ref. 2405A/000R-H022, which offers another gem-set way to envision the Seawater Cliff motif.
This one didn't speak to me at all.
As a conclusion, I would say that this visit was interesting, even if a bit disappointing overall.
Thanks for reading.
Best, Emmanuel
A visit to the Florentine VC Boutique
The Vacheron Constantin Boutique in Florence is located on the famous Ponte Vecchio , which has been since 1593, according to the order of Ferdinando I dei Medici, reserved for goldsmiths and goldsmiths' shops . Above the entrance, one can admire the tabe...
It seems that VC is losing its mojo...
...there are only a few modern pieces that interest me outside of some Overseas references...
I tend to feel the same way, all the more so since
I'm not interested in the Overseas collection. Best, Emmanuel
I strongly disagree. Vacheron has a 270 year
history with a broad product line and always consistent with their DNA of elegance. Never wavered. Even when combining technical complications. Rolex? In the trinity? Not a chance. Fabulous watches. Lifelong watches. Utilitarian and commercial. Definitely...
If we are going by age, where is Breguet?
...Rolex has been a juggernaut for a long time now. Going off of resale value alone puts them in rare company...
My take on your statement regarding the Holy Trinity is that I can't prove you wrong if you're talking of the market:
in terms of sales and of auction results, they are the holy trinity. But in terms of horology, I find Rolex to be far behind VC, PP and even AP. I don't fully respond to what VC has been doing these past few years and I'm waiting for them to rediscover th...
Rolex is not, nor will it ever be, haute horology...
...but I was making a point. Kind of like when mediocre albums win awards because they raked in the most $$. Also, why is Breguet the redheaded step child? : )
Key words: “. . . that interest me. . . “
That does not at all mean they are “losing it” and the market would say otherwise.
I would love to see their offerings broken down by product line...
...don't get me wrong...I love the brand because they tend to be 'elegant.' But their modern offerings have less appeal to me these days...
Well . . . you’re wrong!!! 🤣😂😆
I’m just kidding. Let’s just say we are treated to so many wonderful options!🙏🏻
When I look at VC's website, the section I like the most is "Les Collectionneurs"
and that's not a good sign because these pieces belong to the past. But who knows what the future holds?
Great pics as usual
Stunning location for that AD. As for watches, I'd take your 5089P, clear winner for me!
Yes, this ref. !
Antiquorum says ref. 2871, but I have a doubt (a watch this old wouldn't have such a ref. number). credit; Sjx & Antiquorum ...
It's such a small boutique, but I don't know when exactly it was launched.
It's linked to the retailer Cassetti, which has a separate store just next to it. Have a great weekend, Larry! Best, Emmanuel
The location is the most impressive 😉🤌
Despite those pieces each being impressive in its own right, I wouldn't honestly purchase either of them....
Thank you. I had your platinum 82172 in mind all the time and
whatever my reservations may be, they really only concern me because it is, in itself, a great and very beautiful watch! Have a great weekend. Best, Emmanuel
Platinum beauty
I had the chance to try a couple of times the platinum version and I must say I felt in love with it … if there wasn’t this small, nagging details of price tag. The movement, the combination of complications, the relative scarcity. What is not too love? I...
Yes, the platinum variant looks stunning and the movement is simply superb.
But I think I personally don't respond to the tourbillon at 12. I prefer hidden tourbillon because I like solid dials and I find the front opening to be even more disturbing at 12 than at 6 o'clock. But it's just me of course, and there's a lot to love ab...
Thank you! Yes, I really love my Chronometro Gondolo!
Have a great weekend. Best, Emmanuel
I had none, as I’m not at all a steak guy!
Which is a pity in such a place, obviously, but there's not much I can do about my food preferences!
Oh! Nobody has had it!
But I eat my cacio e pepe - and I don't eat everything I make (not all of what I make meets my standards).
Now that’s an exciting location for a watch boutique 👌🏻👏🏻
Thanks a lot for taking us along, even if you were not fully convinced 👍🏻🙏🏻
Wonderful location indeed.
As for the watches, I'm just waiting for VC to rediscover the inspiration that allowed them to create such pieces as the 1972, the Saltarello, the Mercator, etc.