Vacheron Constantin Chronograph Moon Phase

4Js · 2015-07-30T11:16:16Z

Explore the Vacheron Constantin chronograph with its unique platinum moon phase. Discover why collectors believe this model is under-appreciated.

4Js

WPS member · Vacheron Constantin forum

21 replies2621 views1 photos

Joe (4Js) shares his deep appreciation for a Vacheron Constantin chronograph, particularly highlighting its unique moon phase design and overall under-appreciation in the luxury watch market. His post delves into specific design elements and the watch's performance, inviting a discussion on what makes this particular Vacheron Constantin stand out among its peers.

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it is that time again in the month. Full moon. I believe that VC has the best moon design (excepting DeBethune, which is a totally different approach). Yes I am biased. But the engraving, in platinum, and the stars design is just so fantastic. I always try and wear this watch at full moon and new moon!

In the last thread by Mark, one of the posters mentioned how VC is under appreciated. I feel the same way. The variety of case designs, dial designs, crowns, and especially movement and rotors, gives the collector so many options. In the case of my watch here, it always seems to take a back seat to Patek and Lange. I don't think so. This dial has no peers with the others. It is rare. Much more rare than any of the Pateks or Langes. The moon as mentioned. There is a lot of air in the dial so it is not cluttered. I find it very readable except for the leap year, but that has very minor importance once the watch is set. Yes, a day night indicator would finish it off, but I don't want to clutter the 3/9 registers. And I love th balance of a Lemania movement putting those registers at 3/9. The date dial I larger, has no compressions of the numbers. The hands with satin and polish finish really makes reading time easy and beautiful. The bluing of the hands is surreal in sunlight. Yes the gap between 28-32 in the minutes ticks me off. That is the only flaw as I see it. As we all have said, there is no perfect watch.

The pushers work as nice as a Dato. I tend to like this design of pushers for this Malte design. It complements my Dato design. Maltese cross on crown. Winding is super smooth. Regulation is tight. Power reserve is adequate. I always wind when I start thto day and end th day, but if you forget at night, there is no problem.

Ok, off my soap box. I guess VC could hire me as a salesman

Enjoy

Best

Joe

Key Points from the Discussion

The Vacheron Constantin chronograph's moon phase disk is considered the best available, with its elegant execution and platinum engraving. This design is a key differentiator for the brand.
Vacheron Constantin watches offer extreme elegance and superb finishing, comparable to A. Lange & Söhne, despite a higher annual production volume.
The engraving 'PT 950' on the dial and the placement of the leap year indicator are minor design flaws that could be improved for better balance and aesthetics.
The Caliber 1142 chronograph movement, originally a Lemania ébauche, has been fully manufactured in-house by Vacheron Constantin, featuring a new regulating system, increased frequency to 3Hz (21,600bph), and the Geneva Seal.
The new in-house Caliber 1142, despite the introduction of new chrono movements in the Harmony line, is expected to continue being used by VC, offering a different feel compared to the new single-pusher chronographs.
The Vacheron Constantin Malte chronograph with these specific proportions and dial design is unique and was not widely produced within the Malte collection, making it distinct from later Traditionnelle models.

The Discussion

Mark in Paris

Jul 30, 2015

You're stealing my lines

Hey Joe, I haven't answered to the "underestimated VC" yet as I wanted to prepare mine (which is going to be exactly the same as yours). Furthermore, I met Mr Di Martino two weeks ago and told him that, for the new versions of the Chrono-QP, they should absolutely keep the moonphase disk as it is today, i.e. the best one around. The Vacheron Constantin watches are of extreme elegance with a trully great finishing, especially for such an annual production (~ 25 000 pieces). I found in VC's dials

4Js

Jul 30, 2015

Thanks Mark 42mm Fits nicely for me. Wt: unknown, but has a lot of presence

Tick Talk

Jul 30, 2015

Now Joe, they couldn't very well have you as salesman...

That would result in the cash flowing the wrong way!!! Best to think of salesmen as your dependents ;-) Always a treat to see that beautiful moonphase.

4Js

Jul 30, 2015

I would work for no pay, just new watches :-) [nt]

WHL

Jul 30, 2015

That is definitely one of the great EP models....

and one I find strange in that they never had a production model in the Malte collection with those proportions. I guess they had the Traditionnelle coming online shortly after this one was made, but the dial on that model feels very different than on this EP. Bill

4Js

Jul 30, 2015

Agree. The PT version is a different watch

let's see what Selmoni conjures up with the new 1142 movement?

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