Vacheron Constantin Historiques Chronograph

The Internet is such a wonderful tool for watch collectors. Not only do we share our knowledge about watches, but it allows for a global marketplace. ThePuristS was the first place to have a dedicated Vacheron Constantin forum, and I came here right from the beginning to learn about VC watches, which had captured my attention. A decade ago it was hard to come by information on the brand, its history, and technical details about the watches. That is no longer the case.

In going public with watches in my collection, people know what I have, and every now and then I get asked privately if I am interested in selling a watch from my collection. This recently happened to me with respect to my Overseas Chronograph North American Edition.


Though I had not had the watch for a long time, and only for a very short time on the bracelet, an email came to me this month, asking if I would be willing to part with my Overseas. While this was sooner than I would have expected to part with it, I am always willing as it helps to make room for my next Vacheron Constantin (and there is always a next Vacheron!). We agreed to terms, and I had to scramble for a new VC (my vintage piece is with VC for service, and won’t be back on my wrist until late this year/early next year) to wear immediately.

And so the search began (on the internet as I don’t currently have the jones for a brand new watch). It ended quickly:


It made perfect sense: “trading” one limited edition white metal black dial chronograph for another limited edition, white metal, black dial chronograph, only tilting the feel of the watch towards dress from sport.

The Historiques Chronograph is iconic modern Vacheron Constantin, its design based on the important vintage reference 4178. There are five variations on the reference 47101 or 47111 design (the different numbers referring to slight differences in case design involving snap on or screw down case backs). It came in yellow gold with a silver dial, yellow gold with a black dial, platinum with a silver dial, platinum with a salmon dial, and finally, platinum with a black dial. This last one being marketed exclusively in Taiwan and made in only 25 units (though the watch is not marked as being limited). While the limited nature of this piece appealed to me, I probably would have considered on any of the platinum variations.

I had been an owner of the yellow gold Historiques with silver dial long ago. I liked that watch, but at that time I wasn’t often dressed in a suit, and the watch had a more formal quality with the gold hands and gold ring around the outer edge of the subdials. It bothered me ever so slightly. Platinum, of course, has a stealth quality that lends itself to working well in any outfit, which I appreciate. I finally have a good shot of the texture on the dial (the glare couldn’t be helped):


The calibre 1411 deserves all the praise it gets:


It is a dream to look at, and the winding and chronograph start/stop feel is superb.

What will be next for me when this watch finds itself in another home? I don’t know for sure, but I can see myself finally trying out the American 1921, which I have admired from afar for too long.  But who knows: something interesting might come up before then. The journey of collecting is such a blast, isn’t it?

Bill
VC Forum Moderator