Vacheron Constantin SIHH 2018 Live Pics

KIH · 2018-01-16T16:27:33Z

Explore Vacheron Constantin's SIHH 2018 novelties, including Traditionnelle Tourbillon and Fifty-Six models. Get live photos and collector debate on brand strategy.

KIH

WPS member · Vacheron Constantin forum

18 replies5483 views43 photos

KIH's live photo report from SIHH 2018 provides an essential first look at Vacheron Constantin's new releases, offering collectors immediate visual access to the brand's latest offerings. Titled "SIHH 2018: Vacheron Constantin Live Pics," this post captures the essence of the collection, from high complications to new entry-level models. The accompanying discussion delves into the strategic implications of these introductions, particularly the Fifty-Six line.

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Very stable, robust collection as always.

Traditionnelle Tourbillon Platinum - LE of 25.

Peripheral rotor automatic

Platinum stitch

Platinum and PG (non-LE) version side by side.

Traditionnelle Complete Calendar

Fifty-Six (56) Automatic

Crown cuts in to the crown guard.

SS version (right) is priced very strategically. Impressive.

Fifty-Six Day/Date

All 40mm.

SS model has folding clasp while PG model has pin buckle (for the price reason)

Fifty-Six Complete Calendar

Metier d'Art - Les Aerostiers. All five versions. 5 pieces each limited edition. You may never see this line up altogether again!

Overseas Dual Time

Easy to change strap

Blue dial version.

Now, in the display case, Les Cabinotiers Grand Complications

- Ornamental

- Crocodile

Both are only 1 Limited Edition=Unique Piece.

As always, very stable, wonderful collection. Clearly, this brands is trying to lead the new trend - smaller, and more affordable collection.

Key Points from the Discussion

The introduction of the base Fifty-Six model, especially with a bought-in movement and lower finishing standards, is seen by some as a desperate strategy that devalues the Vacheron Constantin brand and questions its traditional positioning.
Vacheron Constantin's consistent release of both new collections and high-end models demonstrates a stable and sustainable strategy, allowing the brand to thrive for over 260 consecutive years, unlike many newer or less enduring brands.
Vacheron Constantin should have prioritized offering the best quality at the lowest possible price, similar to how F.P. Journe introduced the Chronomètre Bleu with a tantalum case and gold movement at a competitive price point.
The Metiers d'Art Les Aerostiers collection, with its five unique limited editions of 5 pieces each, is a particularly gorgeous and rarely seen lineup.

The Discussion

5980

Jan 16, 2018

Thank you for this comprehensive report. I agree with your conclusion. A thoughtful yet reasonably conservative collection. I just wish VC could figure out the Overseas dual time. Just doesn't work for me 😔 [nt]

KIH

Jan 19, 2018

No problem. They are after all a long standing maison. They have huge clientele and talents, capacity. [nt]

Esharp

Jan 16, 2018

Robust? Yes. Stable?!?

Well, Augean stable, perhaps...? I can only interpret the introduction of the base 56 model as ‘desperate’. Said in no strategy meeting ever were the words, “hey, sales are GREAT! Clearly our existing strategy and positioning are working fabulously! Everyone pat yourselves on the back! Tell you what, let’s introduce a new product with a fundamentally different proposition from what we have made in a very long time. Let’s buy in an engine from somewhere else and drop it into the base model of thi

KIH

Jan 16, 2018

Points well taken...

.. I was just saying from the super high level - meaning, if not stable, how has the brand survived for 260+ years consecutively? "Sustainability" is a keyword these days in business, and VC is certainly one of those who deserve to boast its sustainability. Believe me, there are TONS of such companies that do not have "strategy:" as you mention yet survive such a long time. I was just reporting what I saw - stable=many new collection as well as the special super high end models just like every y

piccolochimico (aka dsgalaxy1)

Jan 16, 2018

It's a lost opportunity

I remember when FP Journe introduced the Chronometre Bleu at mere 13000 chf . Tantalum case and gold movement. VC should have done the same, the best quality at the lowest price.

KIH

Jan 19, 2018

As said, long history brands tend to be slow - they have grown sustainably this far, so it is hard for them to change direction.... [nt]