amanicoI could recently see the Heure Sautante, ref 43040, which is the jumping hour in a round case and another jewel from Vacheron Constantin, from the mid 90's. The other Jumping Hour is the Saltarello As you can see, the time display only has one detail in common, the jumping hour. The minutes are retrograde in the Saltarello, while they are " mysterious " in the Heure Sautante. The case shape is different, of course, and preferring one over the other is just a matter of taste...Story

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Tick TalkSir Sandford Fleming (1827 - 1915) Canadian Engineer and Inventor Scottish-born, Fleming moved to Canada at the age of 18 where made his mark as a railway engineer and prolific inventor. He was instrumental in defining the beaver as Canada's national symbol when he successfully advocated for this creature to adorn Canada's first stamp and thus broke with British tradition to feature the current monarch. Up until the 1880s most countries had their own time zone but, in fact, many towns set their local time ... ...Story

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foverstaNo one can deny it: Vacheron Constantin's Overseas collection is enjoying growing success and the waiting lists for the various models are getting longer and longer. There are several reasons for this phenomenon. First of all, there is a very specific market context. The rising interest in versatile, practical watches with styles derived from the models created in the 1970s by famous designers such as Gérald Genta or Jorg Hysek has led to a shift in demand from collectors who are tired of waiting forever .....Story

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Tick TalkVacheron Constantin “It is not important what we have, only what we have done.” Reinhold Messner Hoping everyone is enjoying a great summer! I’ve returned briefly to get something off my mind in hopes that releasing the thought from its cranial cage will allow me to enjoy the rest of this too-brief season. I am always a bit puzzled by our dear Maison and the manner in which they delve into their past to support the present. Like that annoying cousin who habitually exaggerates every achievement just to appear ... ...Story

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Tick TalkInspired by the Harmony watches of fellow Vachonistas and the piece unique American 1921 recently introduced, I've reached into the vault for this feature on shaped watches. But first, an explanation of model numbers. Image credit Vacheron Constantin unless otherwise noted. By The Numbers Vacheron & Constantin employed three formats over the years to identify timepieces: photo reference numbers, catalog numbers, and model reference numbers...Story

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Tick TalkI have a confession to make to you, my fellow Vachonistas; I am a hoarder! Thankfully not the kind who lives in a house jammed to the ceiling with mouldy newspapers and stinking of cat pee; I am an information hoarder. When the The Hour Lounge, the official Vacheron Constantin discussion forum, was suddenly taken offline some four years ago I had, thanks to this small idiosyncrasy, copied many of the interesting and informative posts. Today I am pleased to launch the first in a series of repackaged articles ... ...Story

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Tick TalkTick Talk (c) 14 April 2020 With time on my hands (what a delightful pun) I’ve been researching the history of Vacheron Constantin’s iconic Chronomètre Royal and it’s genesis in Brazil. When the latest model was introduced in 2007, it was ostensibly to celebrate the line’s 100th anniversary. An article published on The Hour Lounge, appropriately titled; “Chronomètre Royal: 100 Years of Flamboyance”, shared a wealth of details. Here I’ll offer a brief excerpt: "Building on its experience and reputation gained .....Story

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foverstaIt is a little paradoxical to speak of a watch that evokes the great explorations in full confinement period. But I couldn't wait any longer to present this unique Vacheron Constantin piece, Les Cabinotiers - La Caravelle (The Caravel) 1950. I have always thought that the best from the Geneva manufacture was expressed when it brought an artistic touch into its watches . It has a real know-how which allows it to combine the charm and the poetry of the crafts with the rigor and the technique of watchmaking...Story

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amanicoIt is not a mystery I am a huge fan of the Mercator. A special, refined, original and poetic piece from Vacheron which basically, made two versions, one with solid gold dial, and the other one with Enamel Champlevé dial. If I am more fan of the Enamel Champlevé dials, I cannot deny the charm of the solid gold dials. Here is an enemel Champlevé, " Germany "...Story

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foverstaI prefer to go straight to the point. There is one detail that I don't like with this new release from Vacheron Constantin, it is the strategy of the brand which surrounds it. In fact, I find it hard to understand why Vacheron Constantin has partnered with Hodinkee in 2017 to release a limited edition of the chronograph Historiques Cornes de Vache, explaining its exceptional character because of its steel case ... And two years later, here is the come-back of the very same case in another context...Story

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