Vacheron Constantin

I have to say, I am personally torn between these two; can't seem to decide which is more interesting, or which would be more of a "keeper"

 

The finishing on both are sublime, but so very different. In some ways, I actually like the finish on the movement in the vintage, low key classic more...

...I almost feel as though I cannot compare the two.  If forced to choose (And it would have to be a dire situation, like I'm in a dinghy with both watches and one has to go overboard or else the entire boat sinks into a deep, offshore, mutant, radioactive, shark-infested abyss -- that's the only way I'd choose!) I actually will go with the vintage for its elegant, beautifully-finished, timeless, simplicity.  I might live to regret leaving the skeleton behind though...now that I'm not food for mutant sharks...LOL! 

In all seriousness, they are both lovely timepieces with extremely different personalities, which speak to opposing parts of that section of my brain that I reserve for watch appreciation.  The skeleton is ethereal, opulent, a technical marvel, an object of obvious fascination.  The vintage exhibits all the hallmarks I previously stated...it is pure, unadorned beauty.  At home on the wrist of gentlemen of good taste in our era, our father's, and well into the future, she exists outside of time.  That's why I'm going with the vintage...if I have to choose...and there are sharks. 

Cheers,
Daos

With command of language like that, we just HAVE to meet!

;-)

A woman after my own heart...

TM

Between you and Thomas, you really know how to make a gal blush!    You should put your well-tuned mind to good use, and help me pick out a new strap for my Legend diver instead!

Warmest regards,
Daos

My pleasure!



I may have found THE strap for the Longines...

Wait a bit, I have an idea, and will tell you more soon.

Best, sister.

Nicolas

dangerous and attractive to women i thought women went for danger, excitement and the unconventional.

my wife obviously did.

LOL.

Graham

This message has been edited by gmhutton on 2009-02-18 12:47:49

...you will always be my main fella for all watches unusual, off-the-beaten path, and full of intrigue!  Um, when are you and the Mrs. coming across the pond to partake of that round of cocktails I've offered?!   

I hope you are well!

Cheers,
Daos

Dear Daos,

 

Being poor males you can see that we all crave the approval of the stronger sex. Actually it’s probably all those hairy wrist shots that get too much for us after a while.

 

To be honest, although male Purists outnumber the female ones, it is great to read different perspectives and comments and I know I am not alone in enjoying your contribution. So thanks very much.

 

And who would have ever thought that PuristS would provide a dating service?! J

 

Keep well.

 

Andrew

 

Ps. the funny thing, Thomas, is that I am working from a computer today that does not give me access to your images. So I have to read others comments and use my imagination. I think I would suggest keeping the vintage piece!

 

PPs. actually that might make for an interesting party game at the next IGOTT: have someone stand up and describe a watch in detail and the first person to guess the watch wins.

Honestly, all you guys crack me up!  I appreciate your kind and supportive words, Andrew.  It is very encouraging to me, and hopefully to lady PuristS everywhere, to know that this site is populated not just by guys who know, and like watches, but GENTLEMEN who share our horological passion.  Thanks to all you fellas for being so welcoming!

Cheers,
Daos

Thomas, I look forward to meeting you in person as well!  You are far too kind with your compliments.  I assure you that I've enjoyed reading your posts quite a lot.

Daos

Both SUBLIME.

But I would go on the skeleton.

Since I saw it in the flesh...I will never forget it.

With the Skeleton, you have add an artistic dimension to this musical and horological " chef d'oeuvre "!

A last advice, Thomas: If you can't decide, take them both!



Best, my friend.

Nicolas

Nicolas, if you only knew...

;-)

TM

One cannot choose between these two. Instead, one of the two calls out in a voice familiar to the beholder for reasons he cannot explain, as both voices are exquisite. For me, it's the vintage. She may not sing as loudly as the skeleton, but she sings in a voice steady and timeless. I could listen to her a lifetime long.

Thanks for the photos.

Best,

Jed

Hi, Jed,

"She may not sing as loudly as the skeleton, but she sings in a voice steady and timeless. I could listen to her a lifetime long."

In fact, the vintage piece sings more loudly and beautifully than that particular sq (I'm familiar with quite a few specimen of the sq repeater)

I know you were likely being "figurative" and not literal with your words, but the vintage piece has that quality that modern pieces no longer have (and similar to vintage high grade chronographs vs even the best modern chronographs - I just prefer the haptics of high grade vintage chronos) - the way the case was made back then, no longer available today, added to the volume and purity of tone.

Cheers,

TM

Hi Thomas

I see you have made your choice and a good one as well.  Very wise lol!!!

 

with the knowledge that perhaps an ironic tone reverberated within the words I chose, but with no history with either piece to know for certain.

Yes, Thomas, Los Angeles.

Best,

Jed

What a pair!!...for me,  on balance I think I'd take the vintage piece.  I think.  Or possibly the other one.  Or the vintage piece....

Tim

there are times when a skeleton would look out of place, but the vintage would fit in perfectly well. on that basis i would go for the Vintage.

i'm applying logic to my thinking. thats a first!!

best

Graham

I don't want to sound like a record since everyone has already stated this, but it's an elegant timeless piece which you cannot get tired looking at.

Cheers,
Anthony

That is one of my favorite VC's of all time.

Bill

and have REALLY made it that much harder for A Gentleman Purist, if indeed such a mythical person really exists and really had to make such a difficult decision!

;-)

Cheers,

TM

Thomas,

That's an interesting question, while I appreciate both watches very much I'd go with the Skeleton repeater for a couple of reasons, For one I think VC is very well known for and probably does the best job producing skeletonized watches. With that being the case why not own the grandest one they make. The other reason is that there are many other brands that make repeaters/ (and non repeaters for that matter) somewhat similar looking to the vintage verson, I like the fact the skeleton repeater is not only very rare but it also has a unique look that is not seen very often in a repeater. With that being said, I'd love to own either piece! I hope all is well.

Tony

The skeleton is trying too hard. It's not about watchmaking; it's about show business. Sorry to be this blunt but your repeater has been a personal favorite for decades and has a level of style and elegance that's all but vanished in our age.
This message has been edited by RNJH on 2009-02-20 18:37:54

The quiet glow of the dial, for me, is more beautiful than any amount of skeletonization could be. I also appreciate its rarity and history.

TM,

You buy one and I will buy the other, every six months we can trade.

I would choose the vintage, love the simplicity of that watch.

Good luck choosing.

JerryW