Vacheron Constantin

Tick Talk
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Pin-Set Movement

All of the V&C chronographs were "pin-set", which identifies the little button you noticed to the left of the crown.  Normal winding was accomplished with the crown but setting the time required that you first depress the pin which engaged the hands to be set through the crown.  Chrono was start/stop/reset using the crown button.

Initially I thought the movement with "brevet" markings was a franken, as you will notice its layout is reversed and not completely identical to the other, more typical, 381xxx movement.  Then I came across another with similar markings and examined these more closely.  After researching the previous articles on Corps of Engineers watches, I now believe that initially Ulysse Nardin was contracted to supply chronograph ebauches conforming with V&C design specs, however, with their lagging deliveries I believe they granted UN permission to also use their own stocks which were appropriately re-branded for V&C.