Vacheron Constantin Monopusher Chronographs Guide

quattro · 2024-10-23T09:55:58Z

Explore Vacheron Constantin's monopusher chronographs, from vintage Ref. 3307 to modern Harmony models. A collector's guide to this unique complication.

quattro

WPS member · Vacheron Constantin forum

45 replies10928 views34 photos

In this comprehensive article, quattro meticulously catalogs Vacheron Constantin's monopusher chronographs, spanning nearly a century of horological innovation. His detailed visual guide, featuring both vintage and modern references, offers an invaluable resource for collectors seeking to understand the evolution and distinct characteristics of this specialized complication within the esteemed manufacture's lineage. This deep dive illuminates why these single-pusher mechanisms remain a captivating niche for enthusiasts.

All the models I could find with only one pusher to start, stop and reset the chronograph.

Enjoy!

A. VINTAGE MODELS

1/ Round case ref. 3307 (13 ligne caliber based on an ebauche by the brothers John and Charles Reymond - later known as the company Valjoux)

Model from 1927 made for King Alexander I of Yugoslavia (credit: Sotheby’s)

Model from 1929 with black hands (credit: goldammer.me courtesy of Phillips)

2/ Cushion case

a) Without pulsometer scale

Ref. 2990 ? (case n° 251050) from the 20s (credit: invaluable)

Ref. 2990 from 1930 (credit: Hodinkee)

b) With pulsometer scale

Model from 1928 with Stuart pear hands (credit: bexsonn.com)

Similar model with baton or sword (?) hands (credit: Horas y Minutos)

Similar model with B r eguet hands (credit: Davide Par m egiani)

Ref. 3410 from 1931 (credit: Davide Par m igiani)

B. MODERN MODELS

1/ Without tourbillon

a) Harmony ref. 5300S/000R-B055 with cal. 3300 (model launched for the 260th anniversary of the brand, in 2015)

(credit: Hodinkee)

b) Harmony ref. 5300S/000R-B124 with cal. 3300 (2016 edition of the previous model, with anthracite numerals instead of blue on the anniversary edition)

(credit: Hodinkee)

2/ With tourbillon

a) Harmony Ref. 5100S/000R-B125 with caliber 3200

(credit: H.M.Timepiece on FB)

b) Harmony Ref. 5100S/000P-B056 with caliber 3200

(credit: Horologium)

(credit: the watch observer)

c) Traditionnelle ref. 5100T/000R-B623 with cal. 3200

(credit: Watch I Love)

d) Traditionnelle ref. 5100T/000P-H041 with cal. 3200 (Collection Excellence Platine)

(credit: Watch Collecting Lifestyle)

(credit: Sjx)

3/ Split seconds

a) Harmony ref. 5400S/000P-B057 with cal. 3500/260

(credit: a blog to watch)

b) Traditionnelle ref. 5400T/000P-B637 with cal. 3500 (Collection Excellence Platine)

(credit: Sjx)

4/ Les Cabinotiers Minute Repeater Tourbillon Split-Seconds Monopusher Chronograph with cal. 2757 (there are 2 pushers for the chronograph on the right – one (at 2:00) for start, stop, and reset, and one (at 4:00) for the split-time function)

(credit: Hodinkee)

Key Points from the Discussion

The dial proportions of early Vacheron Constantin Ref. 3307 monopusher chronographs are particularly well-balanced, with subdials positioned ideally, a design philosophy echoed in modern Patek Philippe Ref. 5959.
While the modern Harmony Chronograph Pulsometer is noted for its larger and thicker dimensions compared to vintage dress chronographs, its legibility has grown on collectors, making it suitable for aging eyes. The anglage on these modern pieces, particularly the tourbillon chronographs, is highly regarded.
Vacheron Constantin's first monopusher wrist chronograph was introduced in 1917, predating some of the models presented, indicating an even longer history for this complication within the brand.
Many of Vacheron Constantin's monopusher chronographs, especially vintage models, feature appealing cushion-shaped cases. The Traditionnelle Ref. 5400T/000P, with its Caliber 3500, is highlighted as a particularly stunning modern example.
A critical perspective suggests that Vacheron Constantin's recent designs, including some chronographs, have become 'brutish,' lacking the subtlety and finesse characteristic of earlier models.

The Discussion

quattro

Oct 23, 2024

My personal preference goes to the ultra-thin Harmony Split-seconds.

quattro

Oct 23, 2024

too large and thick except on the ultra thin models and on some less complicated ones.

jmpTT

Oct 23, 2024

All of these watches are stunning. It's a great lineage. The dial proportions of the early Ref 3307s are the best to my eyes. The subdials are large, but not too close to the centre stack. The spirit of these early watches is found in the modern Patek 5959 (sorry). The modern Harmony Chronograph Pulsometer goes in the opposite direction, being quite large and thick for a dress chronograph. It's grown on me over the years, with the larger dial being suited to middle- and old-age eyes. Makes sense

TeutonicCarFan

Oct 23, 2024

If I win the lotto, that is

Tick Talk

Oct 23, 2024

The cushion case is very pleasing to my eyes too. Thanks for putting this together V&C’s first monopusher wrist chrono came out in 1917. There are a few more to add to your compendium here: www.watchprosite.com / Best of the Hour Lounge Wrist Chronographs

bruckner4

Oct 23, 2024

And I quite like their cushion-shape examples.

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