Vacheron Constantin

respo
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18,000 watches/year

I attended a Vacheron Constantin dinner in Philadelphia last week and learned a few things that I thought I would share.  I apologize for the lack of photographs, largely due to my lack of skills. But, hey folks, you get what you pay for.

Hugues de Pins, President of VC North America gave us an informative presentation, introducing the major VC lines and highlighting some of the newer and soon to be presented watches from the collection. During his presentation, he mentioned the following facts, which I scribbled down:

• VC produces 18,000 watches per year
• 85% of the watches produced are mechanical
• 85% of the watches produced are men's models [I wonder if that means that the remaining 15% are quartz and for women?]
• The 1921 American is the best selling VC watch in the US market.

I think the last piece of information is interesting, as it appears to confirm that VC has a hit on their hands with the 1921.  Maybe I won't get one after all as it appears that every Tom, Dick and Harry will be sporting one before long. LOL. 

No, after trying it on yet again that evening, I still find the 1921 absolutely beautiful.  Now, I also tried on an Overseas Chrono in rose gold on the RG bracelet -- what a hefty piece that is!  Why do these rose gold VCs keep throwing themselves at me?  It is so hard to resist.

There were some other lovely watches there, including a case full of QDLs.  Mr. de Pins allowed me to fondle his own RG Patrimony (again rose gold!) , which is has been on my mind for some time now, as well. It is a perfect dress watch, IMHO.

As I mentioned, one of the VC representatives on hand showed me the 1921.  She explained that the 1921 was first developed for a group of US customers as a "driving watch," and hence the dial design.  I know that there has been some discussion on this forum about the validity of the 1921's heritage and purpose as a driving watch, but I just wanted to report that this is what VC is saying, although I did not hear Mr. de Pins make that claim. 

I want to thank both Govberg Jewelers for organizing such a delightful evening and Mr. de Pins for being such a charming host. 

respo