Vacheron Constantin

Hi All,

I just acquired a VC 'Square' 222.
Here's some pictures taken of the watch using my HP.

This is my 1st VC, and I would like to seek the guidance of the members of this forum as to the servicing of this watch.
Brief background:

#1.  The second hand is loose. It 'flops' around, but the time and date function as they should.
#2.  My regular watch guy in Singapore who services my vintage watches (eg Omega Cal. 321s) is unable to help as he does not have the appropriate tools to open the case, and he does not want to force the issue.
#3.  Unfortunately, VC Singapore does not have the appropriate tools and expertise too, but they were very helpful in referring the matter to VC Geneva.
#4.  Of course VC Geneva is able to help, but it appears (and I am still seeking clarification) that they are insisting on replacing the luminescence material of the dial indexes and hands on the basis that they are disintegrating.

As most fans of vintage watches may appreciate, I would like to keep the dial and hands are they (other than replacing the second hand, if necessary).
I just want the loose second hand issue fixed so that I may enjoy wearing the watch.
However, it appears that if I do not agree to the replacement of the luminescence material of the indexes and hands, VC Geneva will not be able to fix the second hand issue.

In the circumstances, I will be grateful if anyone can recommend me a trusted and competent watch technician that is able to rectify the second hand issue?
I will probably check with Michael Young of HK and Adam of AUS to see if they have the right tools and relevant expertise. Is there anyone else I should consider to approach for help?
This is very much my Plan B, as I would gladly prefer to have VC Geneva resolve the second hand issue.

Any input will be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks in advance!


Chye

.....whenever I have a watch being looked after not by my "godfather of watch makers" but by the house of origins. My experience is particularly with Omega, Heuer, Breitling, Breguet, Audemars, IWC and some others.

The "Problem" that the official brands have is that they have to give you a guarantee on the watch subsequently to its repair. This is why they insist on changing hands/dials because crumbling lume can get into the movement and then they have to take care of it under the guarantee.

Route 1: this is the route I take with those who do not send you back the original and replaced parts (today, unfortunately most brands to not do this anymore): I insist on leaving hands, dial etc. un-touched and I waive the guarantee i.e. I tell them that I do not need them to guarantee their repair work. This works with all of the above mentioned names. The most difficult is IWC, but they are difficult anyway in many respects unfortunately

Route 2: if they send you back the replaced parts, I have them change whatever they think they need to change (dial, hands, crown are the most usual suspects). Then, when the watch comes back, I give it to my watch maker who puts all the old parts back in again. Usually takes him 10 minutes or so.

Regarding VC I have a steel 222 Jumbo (see pic) but it did not need to go to a Service as it works perfectly, so no hands-on experience with these guys.

Nice square 222 by the way!!

Hope this helps. Cheers, HSTE

This message has been edited by HSTE on 2016-08-11 23:56:00

Two spectacular 222s - and a square one, too! I unfortunately cannot help with the service issue but would very much appreciate if you posted your impressions of the watch at some point.

Hope the seconds hand issue gets resolved soon - good luck!

I've been looking for a 'regular' VC 222 for some time now but for one reason or another, just could not get my hands on one.
Along came a square version at a price that was attainable, and I decided to go for it.
First impressions - it's really thin, and wears very refined (a refined sports/ bracelet watch???1!what a oxymoron...).
As can be seen from my pictures, depending on the lighting, the dial changes colours, from black, to a shimmery silver/ gray.
Size wise, the watch looks bigger in the pictures. When I get it back, I will try to take a picture of it beside a Rolex 5513/ Omega Speedmaster so that there's some objective comparison.

I have been tempted on several occasions but felt unsure about the size at 31mm. So as I had no chance of trying it on, I decided to pass. Lovely looking watch and if a nice one comes along I may well join you

Yes, I have now suggested "Route 1" to VC, and am now waiting for them to get back to me. I think it's reasonable and fair that I forfeit the warranty of their repair job if they think the crumbling lume may eventually compromise the watch's movement.
I believe "Route 2" will not work as VC have indicated that they will keep all replaced parts, and in any case, the main hurdle in this exercise is find the right tool to open up the case.
Thanks for this, I really appreciate it.
Chye

Somehow my response was placed as a response to KMII's post.

I do not know if it can help you but my watchmaker here in Geneva should be able to solve your problem.

If you want, I will see him next Monday and I can show him your VC and what you want to do. He will probably tell me if he can answer or not to your wants.

Just let me know

Best wishes

Alkiro

I really appreciate the offer.
Let me see how far I can get with VC, and I will get in touch again if things do not work out.
Thank you again.

Best wishes

Alkiro