Christianch shares his in-depth review of the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ultra-fine 1955, a piece he describes as a masterpiece of elegance and innovation. His detailed impressions and personal photos offer a valuable perspective on why this ultra-thin dress watch stands out in a collection. This article explores the nuances that make this reference a cherished acquisition for collectors.
This is my review of the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ultra-fine 1955. This watch is simply a masterpiece of elegance, class and innovation.
I first tried this watch several months ago. Initially, I wasn't sure if the watch was sufficiently distinctive and robust to become a daily wearer. Fast forward a few months
and with the love for this piece being still strong I decided to buy myself an early Christmas present
Let's start with the first photo of the watch taken before the purchase:
With important watches I tend to wait a few days (or at least a night) to see if the love is still strong and if indeed I will wear the watch. This is a 36mm watch that makes it smaller than the
other classical Vacheron watches (38 mm for the Patrimony Traditionnelle and 40mm for the Contemporaine models) outside the historiques collection.
It fits well on my wrist and the very special glossy black strap adds even more elegance!
The watch is powered by a marvellous caliber 1003 movement. Not only the movement is only 1.63 thick but the plates and bridges are in solid gold. It is a re-interpretation of a classic,
slimmer and in gold.
One peculiar aspect of this watch is also the presence of a travel pocket-size leather case that is an excellent companion while travelling. This is n the top of the regular travel case in the vacheron box.
This specifically case fits comfortably in the inside pocket of the jacket:
Finally we have some pictures at natural light. The watch is in 4N rose gold that somehow in between yellow gold and the traditional richer 5N rose gold. It fits perfectly with the historical
theme of this watch and looks very discrete yet stunning:
Here under a different lighting. At only 4.13mm this watch is not just very slim but also extremely light.
A good reading companion
Or for the business on the go!
The dial is very simple yet it requires extra attention as it has a truly unique glow (better explained in this http://www.watchprosite.com/page-wf.forumpost/fi-14/pi-5341518/ti-795928/s-0/t--the-thin-man-initial-review-of-les-historiques-ultra-fine-1955/ review)
Not to duplicate what was already said about this watch I would like to reflect on how can such a simple, 2 hands manual watch generate so much excitement.
This watch is special in so many ways yet extremely simple, understated and elegant. The open back allows the owner to admire the craft and mastery of the gold caliber 1003.
In summary, the only possible downside of this watch would be the size (for these with a bigger wrist) and the relatively high price for a simple manual watch. Yet it is different in so many ways
and the movement alone explains how much work and passion is required to create such a masterpiece and command a premium.
What do you think ?
Christian
