Vacheron Constantin

As I recently discussed Modern Perpetual Calendar Chronos with a good friend of mine, I thouhgt that it may be interesting to have a wider discussion, on line.

There is no revoultion nor even an evolution, on the horological ground, as both of the 3 last references share the same caliber, the 1141 QP.

Here, the aesthetic does it all, as we'll see.

1/ 47 112: ( 2 000 - 2 006 )



This version has some very strong points:

- The size ( 39 mm ) is good for an elegant watch.

- The dial is really nicely decorated, with triangular indexes.

- The subdials and date / months windows are located in a great balanced way, not too centered.

- The moonphase is one of the most elegant I know, a sculpture!

- The rectangular pushers and the Malte lugs ... I'm a big fan!

- Least but not last, the officer Case back, which allows you to have a view on the movement, when you wish to do so.

The Cons are not a lot, compared to its qualities:

- The thickness ( 14 mm ) makes it look a bit chunky, compared to the relatively modest diameter of the case.

- The size of the hour and minute hands, which, in my opinion, look a bit too short.

2/ 47 212: ( 2007 )



I see the 47 212 as an update of the former version, with some neat and subtle evolutions.

The more visible evolution is the case, which is 2,5 mm bigger ( 41,5 mm ), while its thickness doesn't seem to have been reduced.

I'd say that these 2,5 mm give some more harmonious proportions to the watch, which seems less chunky, more balanced.

The fabulous Malte Lugs are still present, while the rectangular pushers have been changed for some round one ( Why? My guess is that it is to preserve the balance of the case, when some rectnagular pushers would maybe mae it chunkier, but it is just a guess ).

The dial has evoluted in a more sublte way.

Here, the equation / phenomenon is well known:

Bigger case + movement whose size ( 27 mm ) didn't change=centered subdials, while their location was more balanced on the former version.

Vacheron used a trick: The indexes at 3 and 9 are touching the subdials, to minimize this feeling .

The hour and minute hands have a very elegant shape, and, at the contrary of the 47 112, the minute hand is touching the minute indexes.

The second and the minute hand of the Chrono, as well as the date hand are heated blue... A nice touch of contrast and elegance.

The subdials, guichets, and leap date are almost unchanged, though.

And last but not least ... The sublime grained dial, which was preferred to the smooth dial of the 47 112.

One thing I will regret is that Vacheron gave up the officer case back on this model, which was really interesting, to me.

So, to sum it up, the evolution is mainly about the size, with some consequences on the organization of the dial, the whole watch reaching another step in elegance, in my opinion.

It is also important to remind that among these 3, the 47 212 is the one which had the shorter life, as it was a " one shot " production of 50 pieces, and that there was no other variation, nor other metal for this reference.

3/ Patrimony Calendar Perpetual Chronograph: ( 2009 )



Here again, we have another increase in size ( 1, 5 mm bigger than the Malte Excellence Platine, and 4 mm more than the 47 112! ) to reach 43 mm, now, while the thickness doesn't seem to have changed, nor the movement, which is always the small 1141 QP.

While the Malte Perpetual Chrono was very typed, with its teardrop lugs, here we rather have, with the Patrimony, a Classic evolution, not only on the dial, but also with the case.

Here, the lugs are straight, almost angular, giving the watch an austere and very " serious " look.

The dial, smooth, like on the 47 112, looks ( and it may well be ) bigger, and gives the feeling that the subdials are even more centered than on the Chrono Malte Perpetual Excellence Platinum.

Even the hands are more classic, as Vacheron opted for Dauphine.

Yes, I think that the Patrimony is very well named:

The Evolutions are taking the direction of a more classic definition and presentation of this Chronograph Perpetual.

Wiser?

It will depend on everybody's taste.

Personally, I prefer the Malte Chrono Perpetual, for its very elegant, yet characteristic style, even if the two other brothers are also nice temptations...

And you?

Best,

Nicolas

I have never seen this watch in the metal but all the pics tell me that it is a beautiful watch, I love the proportion on the paper.  I am a great fan of Vacheron et Constantin, I wish they would go back to their origins and make watches as they used to, elegant, refined, subtly sofisticated and recognisable (of course the Malte is)  I have often thought about the Malte Chronograph but for some reason I prefer the rectangular pushers (a la Historique Chronographe) which for me is the nicest wrist watch available today!

It is clear that tghe 47112 has a lot of assets. The size and these rectangular pushers.

you have great taste, my friend, which is not new to me.

All the best and thanks for your input.

Nicolas, from up above.

...not a surprise to you, I am sure.  ;-)

I would take any one of these in the blink of an eye if only to get that amazing moophase, which is without equal, IMHO. 

But if I had to choose one, I would opt for the Chrono Malte Perpetual Excellence Platinum for several reasons. 

• The grained platinum dial is ethereal and well worth the price of admission. 
• VC did a superb job with the "tricks" you mentioned, Nicolas, in minimzing the appearance of the centered subdials by having them touch the hour indices at 9 and 3.  I don't mind the size of the movement in this case size because VC has addressed the key problematic manifestation on the dial very well. 
• I prefer the proportions of the case width and height -- the overall proportions seem to work well here. 
• While I usually prefer rectangualr or oval chrono pushers, I think here the round ones work well given the volume of the watch overall, perhaps enhancing the elegance of the watch. 
• I love the "coolness" of the blued hands with the platinum case, dial and dial fixtures.
  

The loss of the charming half-hunter caseback probably means that the watch is, or at least appears, thinner, which I think is worth the sacrifice. 

Thanks for the excuse to consider these beauties.

 

Best,

respo

I am a real sucker for the Malte, so yes, I am guilty to be biased, here.

I was almost on to get the ES, by the way.

Just a problem of funds, as it was offered to me at the wrong time.

Too bad, because, in my opinion, VC offers / offered some of the nicest, finest Perpetual Chronos in the market.

Best, Respo.

Nicolas

I understand and agree with everyone's comments so far in this thread.  Respo's inputs echo my thoughts.

One pragmatic point for me is that I was offered the watch, used, at good value.  But having lived with it for 1.5 years, I have very few negative inputs.  Yes, I would like it a bit thinner.  But it does work with a french cuff.  Owning all of the pusher variables in Lange, VC Historiques, JLC, Breguet, etc.  these pushers acutally were a positive point for me.  I like the way they work, albeit, not as smooth as a Dato.  And, I think the look with this piece makes it unique.  It works for me.  The use of the bluing on the hands is alot like JLC in a Duometre WG using the color combos.  But, with the VC, the bluing couples with the WG surrounding the two dials.  It is very coherent reading this watch.  You really have to hold this watch and set the time.  I do it everyday (I don't run it everyday, but I manually keep it up to date), and I do it under a skylight in the morning.  You have to see the way the hour and minute hands reflect light differently.  And, they too are unique as compared to other brands.

We all appreciate that this moon phase is surreal.  The dial too.  Also for me, the lugs.  A Lemania chrono movement is second for me, only to the Dato.

I was just commenting on Lange forum how someone could let that Tourby PLM go.  That is how I feel about the 47212.  A keeper until I'm gone.

A great thread Nicolas, for a great company and line of watches.

Best,

Joe

And I find very interesting to read your feedback after such a " possession time ".

Thank you.

Best,

Nicolas

Your article inspired me to reread my survey of these three watches from a little while ago.

I most like the proportions of the 47112, including the spacing on the dial. If it had been made with Excellence Platine dial it would be perfect!

Bill

No message body

Against the 47112 , proportions are better, it is centered yes but the PP5070 too, and it is well done, and overall the dial looks much better. Need to add that it is a really limited piece.

Easy win imho.

 

Against to the lateste one, if we think of platinum with the dark dial it is not so easy. The lateste Chrono QP has lugs which are subtle, not simply straight, the dial is absolutely amazing in the dark version. So comparing cases I will say both are fantastic the first one has a beautiful strong personnality, but the latest is also a beauty. Dial are both fantastic.

But the size is really big for this kind of watch which is more dressy as you usually wear, and knowing you I think it won't be your taste.

 

Last word, if you ever think of these, I think the 47212 is fantastic, but the charm of your beloved salmon will never be match, this is/was a special watch.

 

cheers

Francois

But it might take a lot of time before:

1/ I find someone who owns both and who lets me play with them.

2/ Better,I own both of them.

Best,

Nicolas

 

This message has been edited by amanico on 2012-05-16 05:48:00

a rare and beautiful bird.

The 5970P has a big default, it is sometimes bought but too many time it stays in its box, sadly... Personally on this reference, I find the white gold more subtle and interesting (indexes, hands, dial).

cheers

 

at least post them both side by side. Maybe one day we will meet and you can have your 'play' with them. You might have to get in the queue behind Gary G though!

G

An d yes, it would be my pleasure to meet!

Well, if Gary doesn't mind, of course.



Best,

Nicolas

I will be in Paris the weekend of July 20th... I can bring them along. Let me know.

No message body

No message body

No message body

The 47112 has the best proportions IMO.  The 47212 has the best dial for my taste.  The new Patrimony I really like as well.  The overall aesthetics are great and I prefer the pushers on this latest iteration, but 43mm is getting to be big for a dressy chrono.

Cheers,
Daos

Yes, I would have loved to see a 40 mm case in the Patrimony offer, just to see...

In the meantime, the two Malte are so tempting...

Best, Sister.

Nicolas

For the longest time I was torn between the 47112 & 47212.    IMHO 47112 got the much better proportion but slightly smaller than I would have preferred.  Moreover, the dial combination, while nice, feels a tad cold to me.   The 47212 is of perfect size for me, but sadly wrong proportion for the subdials.  Having said that, the Platine dial is to die for.  

It was a very tough decision for me and I still couldn't somehow make up my mind, even though the pieces are not exactly available to me anymore...

There are some elements of design I much prefer on the first Malte, and others on the second....

Well, and any on the latest, which I find less charming, by far.

Best,

Nicolas

probably the ONLY exeption to the facth that I don t like chronos and perp calendar together.

 

A lovely beast,the right size,right heft,right metal....right balance.

 

An evergreen that will stay atrue classic forever.

great comparison post Nico

Mo

To get even more charm!



Best,

Nicolas

a great watch for sure...

Mo

That I don't know...

But even 50 is not too much, and finding one is a pretty tough mission.



One for you, one for me?



Best,

Nicolas

This baby would be a serious primadonna in our collections... Nico too many watches , by the way I might get one that you have soon , no its not the ding ding yet)mo

I was in new York city today and put on the new jlc Ti mmr. Beautiful piece. But, t wears way bigger than the 47212. Also very difficult to read the time in the store. I took some pix so I could drink and drool! I guess you don't need to read the time. Just hit the switch and listen!

No message body

Mo