Vacheron Constantin Ginza Boutique Opening
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Vacheron Constantin Ginza Boutique Opening

By KIH · Dec 13, 2014 · 16 replies
KIH
WPS member · Vacheron Constantin forum
16 replies4787 views87 photos
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KIH provides an exclusive look into the grand opening of Vacheron Constantin's first-ever boutique in Ginza, Japan, a significant milestone for the brand in a market with deep historical ties. This report details the two-story boutique's elegant design, the heritage exhibition, and the special Tokyo Boutique Edition models. KIH's coverage offers a vivid impression of this long-awaited retail presence.

Believe or not, there has never been one in Japan for such a long time - Vacheron Constantin is one of the oldest brands for Japanese market and the relationship is so tight that they often issued Japan Edition in the past (so did IWC, Patek, etc.... good old days smile).

Why no Vacheron Constantin boutique in Japan - it was always a topic among watch lovers in Japan and one big question......unanswered... until now!   I asked the same question to Mr. Gouget, now CEO of Vacheron Constantin Japan, and he has been telling me that they have not found the suitable space in the suitable location.  But they have, finally.

So, let's take a look at the boutique (opened Dec. 9th) and the special exhibit, as well as Tokyo Boutique Edition models.


Beautiful outside - two-story boutique, on the super main street of Ginza.







The display windows on the street side.









Heritage Exhibition is going on.




Inside - Ground floor.




Nice taste & atmosphere.  I would like these on my apartment walls, too!










Of course.....  I would want one at home smile




There is also Customer Service corner, where a watchmaker can do simple adjustment, etc. on the spot.







On the wall.....



The display case of the current line-up.






















======================================================================================

And, Heritage Collection on the floor.....

2005 "Tour de L'ille" double face men's wrist watch.  250th Anniversary model.  Minute repeater, striking mechanism, torque display, perpetual calendar, moonphase, tourbillon, power reserve, second time zone, equation of time, sun rise/ sun set indication, sky chart..... everything one can think of...  Wow.




1955 Pocket watch with perpetual calendar, moonphase.




1949 Pocket watch with world time.




... and going up to the second floor and the exhibition continues.....




1755 First known pocket watch created by the founder of the manufacture....




1822 Pocket Watch




1835 Pocket Watch, with engraving and guilloche.



1846 Pocket Watch with quarter repeater.




1920 Pocket Watch, with guilloche, engraved, and champleve enamel decoration.




1910 Pocket Watch, hunter case, engraving.




1854 Pocket Watch, hunter case, engraved.




1887 Lady's pendant watch with chain.




1929 Pocket Watch with jumping hours.




1926 Pocket Watch with jumping hours, day and date.




1909 Royal Chronometer Pocket Watch.




1935 Gentlemen's wrist watch, tonneau shaped.




1951 Gentlemen's wristwatch with fan-shaped lugs




1957 Gentlemen's wristwatch, cambered square-shaped, automatic.




1979 "222" Gentlemen's wristwatch.




1972 "Prestige de la France" lady's wristwatch.




1960 Ultra-thin gentlemen's wristwatch.



Wow, what an exhibition.  Like having brought Vacheron museum here.

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And, now, relaxing space on the second floor...






















======================================================================================

Here are "LIMITED EDITION TOKYO" - Three models.
You will notice... somehow, this market likes black dials (me, too!).  

1. TRADITIONNELLE (Ref. 82172)
38mm, Pink Gold case, 7.77mm thick, Cal. 4400AS
LE of 20!









Pay  particular attention to the guilloche pattern - surely the creation of this dial involved the members of "Metiers d'Art".




Very subtle, "secret" engraving of "LIMITED EDITION TOKYO" on the top of the watch dial.










Winding feel is a bit heavy, but very smooth....  nice....




Love the size!











2. TRADITIONNELLE 14-DAY TOURBILLON (Ref. 89000)
42mm Pink Gold Case, 12.22mm thick.  Cal. 2260
LE of THREE (3) !

336 hours (14 days) power reserve with quad-barrel inside.
Clicking feel of winding is very nice - not heavy at all to hand wind.







Again, look at this guilloche dial done by the craftsman of Metiers d'Art!










Not bad at all smile










Beautifully done tourbillon.




Again, "secret" engrave "LIMITED EDITION TOKYO" on the top of the dial.





3. OVERSEAS DUAL TIME (Ref. 47450)
42mm SS case, 12.45mm thick, cal. 1222 SC
Anti-Magnetic, Automatic.




Screw in crown, of course.  I was impressed, first, the screw in/out is so smooth that you wouldn't feel when it got unscrewed or being screwed in....  And the winding feel is butterly smooth for hand winding.....  Wow, handling is believing.  Very, very, well made.




White gold dial, and again, look at this guilloche pattern in the subdials - by Metiers d'Art craftsman.




I was really hooked by this.....  Never thought Overseas wold be this nice....




From the case to the bracelet - forms nice curve to fit the wrist.







Overseas Iconic Amerigo Vespucci ship on the case back.














... and less "subtle" LIMITED EDITION TOKYO logo on the power reserve indicator.
With Pink Gold second hand... nice.....










Perhaps, one of the best, if not THE best, bracelet out in the market today.







Thank you so much, Ms. Mori, Boutique Manager, and Mr. Gouget, the brand CEO of Vacheron Constantin Japan, and all the boutique staff.



Are these Champagne glasses in front of us? smile


As always, sorry for my longish report, but I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Best,
Ken


This message has been edited by KIH on 2014-12-15 03:58:14

About the Gevril Tortue GV2 Ladies Polished Stainless Steel White Textured dial - Polished Stainless Steel Ref. 4400

The Fiftysix reference 4400 from Horological Meandering is a notable entry in the brand's contemporary offerings, distinguished by its design which draws inspiration from mid-20th century aesthetics. This particular reference is characterized by its balanced proportions and a focus on everyday wearability, positioning it as an accessible yet refined option within the broader collection. It represents a modern interpretation of classic watchmaking principles, aiming to appeal to a wide range of enthusiasts.

This reference features a stainless steel case, housing a Swiss Quartz movement. The case diameter is 40mm, providing a versatile size suitable for various wrist sizes. The watch is fitted with a sapphire crystal, ensuring durability and scratch resistance. Its construction allows for a water resistance of 30 meters, making it suitable for daily wear and incidental exposure to water.

As a quartz-powered timepiece, the Fiftysix reference 4400 offers reliability and convenience, appealing to collectors who prioritize precision and ease of maintenance. It stands as a testament to Horological Meandering's commitment to offering diverse options, from mechanical to quartz, within its product lines. The polished stainless steel strap further enhances its classic appeal, making it a cohesive and understated piece.

Specifications

Case
Stainless Steel
Diameter
40mm
Dial
Bracelet / Strap:
Water Resist.
30 meters / 100 feet
Crystal
Sapphire

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The Discussion
SM
small-luxury-world
Dec 13, 2014

the Traditionale looks amazing and I would love to see it one day. In fact the whole watch looks very beautiful to my eyes, but once more for Japan only. Maybe I should move to Japan because quite often you get LEs that are close to my taste :-) Ken, thanks a lot for sharing! Congrats and good luck to VC for their latest boutique! Oliver ps: Some of the vintage pieces on display are superb.

KI
KIH
Dec 13, 2014

Thanks, Oliver for reading the lengthy post :-) These LE models as well as the exhibit are superb, to say the least..... Ken

SM
small-luxury-world
Dec 13, 2014

count on you, my friend and not only in this case. Thanks! Oliver

FO
foversta
Dec 13, 2014

especially for the exhibition pictures! Fx

KI
KIH
Dec 13, 2014

.. and I was drooling..... wish I could have touched some of them.. :-) Thanks, Fx! Ken

KI
KIH
Dec 14, 2014

.. sorry for longish report, but this place is "a must visit". We had a wonderful time. Ken

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