Vacheron Constantin Florence Boutique Collection

quattro · 2025-11-07T22:05:41Z

Explore quattro's visit to the Vacheron Constantin Florence boutique, featuring the Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph and 270th Anniversary Manual-Winding. Get collector insights on design, movements, and the boutique experience.

quattro

WPS member · Vacheron Constantin forum

65 replies3693 views18 photos

Emmanuel, known as quattro on WatchProSite, offers a discerning review of his visit to the Vacheron Constantin Boutique on Florence's historic Ponte Vecchio. His detailed account provides invaluable insights into several key references, offering a collector's perspective on design, movement finishing, and the overall boutique experience. This article distills his observations, making them accessible to both seasoned enthusiasts and new collectors exploring Vacheron Constantin's contemporary offerings.

The Vacheron Constantin Boutique in Florence is located on the famous Ponte Vecchio, which has been since 1593, according to the order of Ferdinando I dei Medici, reserved for goldsmiths and goldsmiths' shops.

Above the entrance, one can admire the tabernacle mural painted by Giovanni da San Giovanni in 1592, which is the only mural that decorates the bridge.

Inside the boutique I was first presented the rose gold Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph ref. 5100T/000R-B623.

Like all the other watches I have seen during this visit, it was wrapped in plastic, which made the experience far less enjoyable.

And I must say that this reference, with its fairly large case (42.4 x 11.7), left me a bit disappointed. I was unfortunately underwhelmed, even if it is a model I admire on the paper.

Calibre 3200 is a stunning manual winding 2.5 Hz movement, but it was hard to fully enjoy it behind the plastic wrap...

Then, I was able to try on the new 270th Anniversary Traditionnelle Manual-Winding, ref. 82172.

The platinum variant (ref. 82172/000P-H062), was the easy winner over the pink gold one (ref. 82172/000R-H118): elegant and understated and much more consistent with the white patterned dial and the gray strap.

The dial pattern was much better in real life than on photos, but I have to be completely honest: I was wearing my Patek Philippe Ref. 5098P and my feeling is that a true hand-guilloché dial is really something else compared to this stamped dial, even if it is of very high quality.

As for the anniversary "côte unique" finish of the movement, it definitely feels special, but I think I prefer the regular "côtes de Genève".

Finally, I was shown two Métiers d'Art Tribute To Traditional Symbols watches with a 38 mm case.

First, the rose gold Eternal Flow, ref. 2400A/000R-H024, which pays tribute to Chinese cultural tradition, highlighting a highly symbolic motif : the "Seawater Cliff", combining the fluidity of water against the force of the mountain.

The psychedelic-like dial is really eye-catching, but a bit extravagant too.

The rotor is also decorated with the "Seawater Cliff" motif.

Then, the pink gold Moonlight Slivers, ref. 2405A/000R-H022, which offers another gem-set way to envision the Seawater Cliff motif.

This one didn't speak to me at all.

As a conclusion, I would say that this visit was interesting, even if a bit disappointing overall.

Thanks for reading.

Best, Emmanuel

About the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine Bi-Retrograde Ref. 82172

The Patrimony Contemporaine Bi-Retrograde reference 82172 represents Vacheron Constantin's interpretation of retrograde complications within the Patrimony Contemporaine series. This reference distinguishes itself through its bi-retrograde function, offering dual retrograde displays on the dial face.

The watch features a 42.5mm case crafted in 18k rose gold with a fixed bezel configuration. A silver dial sits beneath sapphire crystal, while an automatic movement powers the complications. The case offers 30 meters of water resistance, positioning it for dress watch applications rather than sports usage.

Reference 82172 appeals to collectors seeking complicated dress watches with traditional precious metal construction. The 42.5mm case size accommodates contemporary sizing preferences while the rose gold case material and silver dial combination provides classical color coordination. The bi-retrograde complication adds mechanical interest beyond standard time display functions, targeting collectors who appreciate visible complications in formal timepieces.

Specifications

Caliber: 2460 R31R7

Case: 18k Rose Gold

Diameter: 42.5 mm

Dial: Silver

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph, despite its high price tag, is highly admired for its movement, combination of complications, and relative scarcity, making it a desirable piece for collectors.
While acknowledging Vacheron Constantin as part of the 'Holy Trinity' in sales and auction results, some collectors feel the brand's recent offerings lack the inspiration of past iconic models like the 1972, 6087, Saltarello, or Mercator.
Vacheron Constantin is praised for its consistent DNA of elegance and broad product line, maintaining its position in the upper echelon of haute horology, unlike brands perceived to be losing their way or lacking true haute horology status.
Personal aesthetic preferences, such as a dislike for open tourbillons at 12 o'clock in favor of hidden tourbillons or solid dials, can significantly influence a collector's appreciation of a timepiece, even if the watch is objectively well-crafted.
The experience of viewing watches wrapped in plastic in a boutique can detract significantly from the enjoyment and appreciation of high-horology pieces, impacting the overall impression of the visit.
The 'côte unique' movement finish on anniversary models, while special, may not always be preferred over the traditional 'côtes de Genève' by collectors with established aesthetic preferences.

The Discussion

mdg

Nov 7, 2025

...there are only a few modern pieces that interest me outside of some Overseas references...

quattro

Nov 7, 2025

I'm not interested in the Overseas collection. Best, Emmanuel

Arronax

Nov 7, 2025

Stunning location for that AD. As for watches, I'd take your 5089P, clear winner for me!

quattro

Nov 7, 2025

As for the try on session, it was really so-so...

quattro

Nov 7, 2025

Thank you and have a great weekend. Best, Emmanuel

quattro

Nov 7, 2025

Have a great weekend. Best, Emmanuel

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Vacheron Constantin forum with 65 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

Vacheron Constantin Florence Boutique Collection

About the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporaine Bi-Retrograde Ref. 82172

Specifications

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum