Collection
WHL explores the concept of 'his and hers' Vacheron Constantin watches, showcasing pairs that allow collectors to share their passion for horology. The post highlights the enduring appeal of Vacheron Constantin's ultra-thin movements and offers examples of both vintage and contemporary pairings.
Every now and then I get around to putting a couple of Vacheron Constantin watches side-by-side, often to highlight some “his and hers” possibilities for collectors who might like to share their passion for fine watches with their better spouses. Mrs. WHL and I once had a pair that consisted of ultra thin manual winding calibre 1003 movements, though separated by a number of years in dates of production:
The calibre 1003 is fast approaching 60 years of service for Vacheron Constantin:
And the profile of the 33093 reference in particular is beautiful:
While we have each parted with those particular models, there is always a chance we’ll get another pair of Vacheron Constantin watches together.
Like with the watches above, many current production timepieces from Vacheron Constantin continue to employ the calibre 1003, such as with the skeleton Patrimony Tradtionnelle for her, along with the larger self-winding calibre 1120 in the gentleman’s watch:
The decorative finishing on the bridges is a well regarded specialty of Vacheron Constantin.
Back in the realm of the affordable, relatively speaking, and still within the Traditionnelle family, are the 38 mm manual winding 82172 with calibre 4400, and the 33 mm manual winding reference 81590 with calibre 1400:
The lady’s model features 54 diamond set on the bezel, with a .88 total carat weight.
The finishing on the movements is a delight for the eyes:
Having owned a Patrimony Contemporaine and thinking it the nicest modern dress watch I have owned, it’s nice for me to get the his and hers side by side for the first time that I can remember:
The 40 mm references 81180 needs no introduction. The 36 mm reference 81530 shares the same calibre 1400 as the larger Contemporaine:
The sapphire case back works for this model, where it would not for the 40 mm model as the movement is only 20 mm in diameter.
The front view is elegant simplicity, but it is the ring of diamonds around the side of the case that makes the 81530 special:
There are 62 brilliant cut diamonds with a total weight of .39 carat, and it is nice to see that they continue between the lugs as well:
This is a very discreet display of luxury.
The rolled edge of the alligator strap enhances the femininity of the watch compared with the stitched edges on the straps of the 40 mm model.
It is rare to find in the wild a pair of his and hers of similar design in the high-luxury segment of the watch market, and would love to know if you have ever witnessed, or even own, such a pair from Vacheron Constantin.
Bill
VC Forum Moderator
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.
Thank you for sharing these! :) Best Blomman
Intriguing post Bill! Mrs. BSBG has not found anything that really excites her, although she finds the 81530 interesting ...
...the 81530 would be perfect WITHOUT diamonds. A lovely size, a view of the cal. 1400 from the rear (like the Malte Grande Classique) and the gorgeous design of the 81180. Nice topic, Bill. VC does make some lovely watches for women. I know a couple of collectors whose wives also have VCs, and maybe they will join in the conversation. There is such a pair (just barely visible) in the photo below: That photo is one of my favorites. It recalls a very fun event with some great folks, some whom I m
Vintage V&C wrist watches were of a size that compliments women today and still suits men as well. Mrs TT agreed to submit to "watch porn" as she called it, by sitting for this side-by-side pic for your thread. Tick Talk photo The square-cased piece from the 1950s I'm wearing houses the caliber that gets my vote for the most beautiful manual winding movement; the 9-ligne Mrs TT has on a 40s rectagular V&C. It actually measures slightly smaller than the square piece, but the massive scro
When I first picked this one up, I thought it would be mine. Then by the time it came back from a VC service, I bought 3 quick change straps for it (1 dark brown for me, 2 for her - purple and red) to be used as a His and Her item. She been using it every day for the past 4 months. Now I have to find a watch that would go well with a dark brown, thin strap, for me. :-) (The only time on my wrist, when I first got the watch back from VC) I also love the classic 5-bridge design of the cal 1001, ag
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