WatchProSite|Market|Digest
WatchProSite|Market|Digest

Vacheron Constantin

Oh, Bill...I'm in trouble again

 

The Historiques 1968 has been disturbing my sleep a little.  I have to say I was not on to this watch until I saw it for the first time last spring, and then only behind glass.  I have since tried it on (a big mistake!) and ogled it a couple of times.  I avoided this one at the Boutique last week.  I know how weak I am.

You are absolutely right about how it wears on the wrist and seems much more like a 38-40mm watch with its square shape. Its thinness is so seductive as are the lines of the case and the lugs.  The dial is so clean, and that circular pattern created by the indices is such a perfect counterpoint to the square case, as you suggested. 

I have to say that I am more and more thinking of this one as being on a similar level with the Patrimony Contemporaine.  I am not sure it makes for a "smart" partner to the 1921, but it certainly has me thinking.  Not inexpensvie, however. 

I like the distinction you made in the two major approaches VC has taken with the Historiques line -- I had not thought of it that way before, but it makes perfect sense. 

 

Thanks for a great "quick look" and for some lovely photos.

Best always,

respo

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18 Comments view entire thread 

Quick-Look Review: Vacheron Constantin - Historiques Ultra-fine 1968

 
By: WHL : September 27th, 2011-20:24
For the Historiques collection Vacheron Constantin delves into its heritage for inspiration in creating watches for today. For some of the watches in the Historiques collection, the influence comes from design (American 1921, Toledo 1952, and Aronde 1954)...  

Oh, Bill...I'm in trouble again

 
By: respo : September 28th, 2011-07:44
The Historiques 1968 has been disturbing my sleep a little. I have to say I was not on to this watch until I saw it for the first time last spring, and then only behind glass. I have since tried it on (a big mistake!) and ogled it a couple of times. I avo... 

Thanks respo, for your thoughtful response....

 
By: WHL : October 1st, 2011-13:10
I'm not sure that this watch should be your next VC, as you have a gorgeous form case already in the collection with the 1921, but when has rationality won over when it comes to watches? That said, I would steer you to the Patrimony Contemporaine. BIll

You are absolutely right, Bill

 
By: respo : October 1st, 2011-20:18
If I were rational about this, and we know I am not, yes, the PC makes much more sense as the next one for me, but the 1968 is haunting me a bit. That, said, the PC haunts me, too. Thank you for steering me in teh right directions. Best, respo

I totally concur.

 
By: amanico : September 28th, 2011-08:02
That is a superb modern VC... Elegance, refinement, understatement, that watch has all to please. A great, maybe the best offer from VC, since past year. Superb review, too, Bill. Best, Nicolas.

Thanks, Nicolas...

 
By: WHL : October 1st, 2011-13:16
There are so many excellent VC's that can fly under the radar due to their relative rarity (as with the Historiques models). Bill

Beautiful watch, future icon

 
By: Tick Talk : September 28th, 2011-08:14
Thanks for profiling this almost-forgotten new timepiece. OTOH, I wish they had included AUTOMATIC on the dial and perhaps a sapphire caseback to view the treasure within. Seems this model is intended to be very stealthy

With both the 1968 and the 1955....

 
By: WHL : October 1st, 2011-13:19
I can't imagine a finer set of watches to wear with a tuxedo. I'm not sure they are for everyday use, at least how I dress. Bill

am I alone in thinking it's too big?

 
By: johnswatch1 : September 28th, 2011-15:29
Square watches wear so much larger that I think at 35mm it's actually slightly too large.

What's too large for some...

 
By: respo : September 28th, 2011-17:31
...is too small for others. But for some of us, it's just right. I would not have this one any other size. I think it looks great on Bill's wrist as well. Cheers, respo

For this precise reason one has to try these watches on...

 
By: WHL : October 1st, 2011-13:21
before having them join a collection. I think it looks great on my wrist with a dress shirt on, but your mileage may vary. Bill

35mm square vs 40 mm round: The sum of the squaws

 
By: MTF : September 28th, 2011-21:32
"The squaw on the hippopotamus is equal to the sum of the squaws on the other two sides." That equation summarises the value of the diagonal across the square as the longest side of the 2 triangles that make up the square. Thus, the 35mm square watch has ...