Holy Trinity 80s Vintage Watches — WatchProSite Forum Digest

quattro · 2025-03-29T17:05:20Z

Explore a 'neo-vintage dream' collection featuring 80s Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe Ellipse ref. 3589, and Vacheron Constantin Historiques ref. 2171Q. Discover expert insights on these Holy Trinity timepieces.

quattro

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

25 replies2629 views13 photos

Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, presents a captivating exploration of what he terms a 'neo-vintage dream' collection. This article delves into three exceptional timepieces from the Holy Trinity of watchmaking—Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin—showcasing their unique designs and calibers from the 1980s. Emmanuel's meticulous compilation of details and imagery offers a rare glimpse into these often-unreferenced models, highlighting their enduring appeal and horological significance for collectors.

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For me, it's a pure neo-vintage dream: what a collection!

Best,

Emmanuel

A/ AUDEMARS PIGUET

Unreferenced model in white gold with dodecagonal case (32.3 x 32.6 mm) and powered by manual wind cal. K2001/1A. It is sometimes considered online that this watch could have been designed by Gerald Genta as the inner side of the case back bears the GG logo (Gerald Genta manufacture).

B/ PATEK PHILIPPE

Ellipse ref. 3589 in yellow gold with a 33 x 36 mm case, a gold sigma dial and powered by automatic calibre 28-255

C/ VACHERON CONSTANTIN

Historiques ref. 2171Q in white gold with 36 x 39 mm case and powered by calibre K1121

credit: @andri.watches (all photos above)

D/ THE MOVEMENTS

1/ Audemars Piguet cal. K2001/1A

credit: caso watches

2/ Patek Philippe calibre 28-255

credit: Vendôme timepieces

3/ Vacheron Constantin calibre K1121

credit: everywatch

Key Points from the Discussion

The featured collection represents 'neo-vintage perfection,' embodying a 'if you know, you know' connoisseurship with its understated vintage-inspired design language.
The Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe Ellipse ref. 3589, and Vacheron Constantin Historiques showcase three distinct case shapes and personalities, demonstrating a masterclass in horological sophistication.
The author clarifies that the featured trio belongs to @andri.watches, and he merely curated the photos and information for the thread.
A preference is expressed for the Vacheron Constantin without the date complication, specifically referencing the cleaner aesthetic of ref. 2096.
The finishing of the movements, such as the circular Côtes de Genève on the Patek Philippe versus the straight finishing on the Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet, historically validates the quality of components.
The Vacheron Constantin and Audemars Piguet are preferred over the Patek Philippe, with a specific dislike for the Patek's all-yellow gold aesthetic.

The Discussion

mdg

Mar 29, 2025

Love these retro watches...

...the thin automatic movements are a bonus...I expected manual.

quattro

Mar 29, 2025

I was surprised too.

Thanks for looking. Cheers, Emmanuel

enjoythemusic

Mar 29, 2025

There are no 'Rules' in timepiece collecting... ENJOY your time.

quattro

Mar 29, 2025

This looks a bit mad (or should I say M.A.D.) doesn't it! ;-)

Cheers, Emmanuel

ArmisT

Mar 29, 2025

🤩🤩🤩Such elegant simplicity, not easily achieved.

Overall case and dial has VC and AP at the top, then PP. I would be hunting these if the VC or AP were available in platinum (or steel). Thanks for posting.

quattro

Mar 29, 2025

Yes, these are little masterpieces in restraint.

Thanks for chiming in. Cheers, Emmanuel

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