Vacheron Constantin

I have a few questions related to this wonderful watch and would greatly appreciate anyone's comments. I was just offered this watch at what I consider to be a fair price from someone I have purchased from in the past, but unfortunately the distance is to far to travel to actually see the watch in person.
1. Does anyone own this watch and if so, do you enjoy wearing it? I ask as I'm a bit concerned about the thickness of the watch in proportion to the case diameter of 39mm. I actually prefer the case diameter to the newer and larger sized Patrimony version, however there is a substantial difference in thickness.
2. Is there any technical difference between the Malte version and the newer Patrimony version aside from the case?
3. Am I correct that this watch is essentially the same as the highly coveted and expensive Patek 5970?
4. I also wonder if to my advantage, this is a more rare timepiece than Patek's version. Patek has always done well with the perpetual calendar chronograph, but to my knowledge this has never seemed to be a big seller for Vacheron?
5. As I have never seen the watch in person, maybe someone who has can give his or her opinion on the overall finish of the movement, dial and case. I would expect it to be a work of art, however each model has it's own personality.
6. The base movement has been around quite sometime and is also used in the 47001. I do own that watch and enjoy the finish of the movement, but would it be appropriate to expect even a higher level of attention to detail in this much more expensive and rare watch?
I plan to part with the 47101 along with a few other members of my collection a Patek 5159G being among them.
Given the sacrifices can anyone offer their opinion if I will be so pleased with this special watch that it justifies parting with a perpetual Patek and an essentially mint 47101?
I did want to mention that this watch is unworn and has open papers. This is something rather difficult to find in today's market place.
Thank you in advance for you input.

I have never owned this watch, but I have some hand's on experience with it. I really like the proportions, and the thickness relative to the diameter is quite appealing to me, as it allows the lugs to be really well defined. Will the seller give you return privileges if you find wearing the watch problematic?





The Malte and Patrimony use the same movement. As for comparing it to the Patek Philippe 3970 or 5970, PP created their own calendar plate to go on top of the Lemania base, along with some technical changes to the movement. VC uses the same Lemania base, but the perpetual calendar plate is their own unique design, though the layout is very similar to the PP models.

While rarer than the PP QP Chronograph, the secondary market does not value them as highly as the PP references. The VC is a relative bargain, IMO. The finish of case, dial, and movement are all outstanding. I don't think you would find the movement finishing on the 47112 to be any better than on the 47101 (Historiques Chronograph).









The Malte has been off the market for a number of years. You should expect to have it serviced soon, regardless of condition. It is at least five years old.

Those are two great watches that you would give up to make room for this VC. I don't have any great affinity for PP, and don't have much to say about its postiion in your collection. If it were just the Historiques Chronograph and a healthy cash contrbution, I would "trade up" to this Malte.

Please let us know if you decide to get the 47112.

Bill

 

 

 

Thanks Bill, you answered all my questions and helped push me over the edge. I don't really need to sell the 5159G, but I find that I rarely wear the watch and reach for my 5196G (traditional version) or my VC Patrimony in rose gold on a regular basis. I love the 47101, but I also have a 49002 and between the two I much prefer the later. I like the 12 hour register, the date, sold back, beautiful enamel dial and overall the watch has a very modern feel to it. Aside from the inevitable multiple ETA's that find there way into any collection, I try to have a variety in my movements. The Malte perpetual will have the same look and basic movement as the 47101, so I don't think I'll miss the piece. I also find the 5159G having the same base movement as my preferred 5196G repetitive. It's interesting that I actually prefer a much less expensive model to one that now has a retail of $99,000. It's not about the cost of the watch, but your pleasure in wearing it. I'm also a bit bored with an automatic perpetual calendar. The Vacheron is manual winding so it gives you that special relationship with a watch and having a chronograph adds to the fun. On the Patek, there just isn't anything you can do to play with it.

The seller would give me a return privilege, but I like to make an informed decision as I've done quite a bit of business with this seller and pride myself as being someone who doesn't return goods unless they are not as described.  

I think I will pull the trigger after the weekend and will most certainly share wrist shots with pride.

The Malte Perpetual Chrono i believe is one of the most beautiful around.  I like it above the 5970 and the latest current version.  I also really like the 3970 and the 2499 but of course the 2499 is the price of a small home these days!

Thanks for your reply. I actually don't need to sell the 5159G, but as lovely of a watch that it is, I find I rarely wear it. I actually purchased it to replace a 3940 that I purchased in Geneva in the early 90's but unfortunately was stolen. I'll forever miss that watch and buying one on the secondary market would just remind me of the horrible loss. I also love your perpetual PP, but I find I've recently become bored a bit with automatic perpetual calendars as there really isn't anything you can do to play with the watch. I think I'm now sold on the Malte VC and the manual wind along with the chronograph functions adds quite a bit to the human/watch interaction.

The 47101 will be missed, but as I mentioned in my reply to Bill, I also have a 49002 and I much prefer it to the Historiques. Also, having the Malte perpetual will essentially give me the same movement and I'm trying to add more variety to my movements. Another reason for selling the 5159G is having the same base movement as the 5196G (traditional version) a watch I wear often and really enjoy. It competes only with the Patrimony Traditionelle in Rose Gold which I also love to wear.

Hopefully letting go of both will fund the Malte and place a little in the watch piggy bank for my next desire. Something that tends to happen about twice a year, although watches such as PP and VC are more a 4 or 5 year treat.

I own the YG version which I really like a lot.
I think VC has done a better job on the Lemania movement than PP, but perhaps I'm biased. The engraved moon(s) are the nicest available on any watch!
If you do get it, it should come with a winding box which will keep the watch wound even though it's a manual winder.
Here are a few pics of mine:
Good luck, you won't regret the decision.

z

Wonderful job photographing the watch! VC should hire you in their marketing department.

Regards,
Joseph

Nice watch and nice pens...  

..and I don't think you will regret it if you get it.