Vacheron Constantin

Baxter

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down! They increased all prices e.g. Historique even more expensive as a line and then this ? It makes no sense to me. Vacheron is moving further away from Patek, AP, Lange etc.

Lange did it as well with the 35mm and 37mm Saxonias, but with no reduction in quality of finishing.
This may well hurt VC in the long run...

The reality is that VC can't compete with Patek. An entry-level model at such a price point is a great move.

As for the design, I could do without the date, but as I do not have a VC (and the budget is limited after recent purchases) and if the entry-level model still retains the same level of finishing, I may well buy it.

Agreed, they have been looking for ways to bring in people for a while. This is what the QdL was supposed to do.
I do think a VC Traditionelle trounces a calatrava to the point of being clearly superior and the Cornes de Vaches competes with any dress chrono.
Anyway, you have to save for that Breguet tourbillon!

Actually I think a Saxonia is superior to the Traditionelle (hence why I got an ALS). As for the Calatrava, I am getting one in part because it is truly old school and there are enough differences between it and the Saxonia (Roman Numerals etc). The Saxonia and Traditionelle are too similar.

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The use of in-house movement is overrated, so no issue for me there. I just don't see how this collection represents VC... It's a marketing exercise. A more accessible price point might attract new and younger customers, but it's done in the expense of losing reputation as a no-compromise high end manufacture. There're enough other brands under the Richemont umbrella that offers compelling products in such price segment.

Ken

The low price is a good point, but i agree that without the VC name upon the dial it could have been a JLC, or IWC, or else.
I don't know why but it seems there's no global strategy; the overseas was introduced last year with a whole line up.
I'm not a marketing guru, but why didn't they try( at least) to copy the AP's strategy? To create some hype for collectors and to slowly release new models.
Even GP made a better strategy.
This new collection FIFTYSIX lacks of soul; everything is fine, but where is VC style?
Why do i have to look at Cartier to look at beatiful and different design?
I'm a bit disappointed, i was expecting some more.

https://auction.catawiki.com/kavels/15989029-vacheron-constantin-pink-gold-automatic-cal-477-1-men-1950-1959

I like the case, the size, the date, the rotor with the cross, the clasp, the dial with the railtracks, and yes, the price point.

Not just because of the dial color but because of the overall "feel".

The High Watchmaking Gentlemen's Club, "featuring stylish, audacious and free-spirited individuals on social media".  Check it out here: http://www.vacheron-constantin.com/en/news/2018/1/15/the-fiftysix-collection-test-drived-in-london.html.

Or you could describe them another way. I just don’t get marketing approaches sometimes, and I say that working hand in hand with them daily.

I wonder what focus group showed a good response to this? At least these guys dress relatively well. It could be a LOT worse.

I’m looking forward to SHameonwrist ripping SIHH to pieces.

I suppose a virtual Club is easier to script

PetaPixel

Historically, VC has often called into service second quality timepieces and less expensive manufacturing techniques when the economy of the day required. This quote from a letter written by Francois Constantin in 1821 might still apply:

My VC Boutique contact says it’s a Piaget derived movement and doesn’t have a Geneva poincon.
Definitely a move downmarket. Remove the VC Logo and this could be a Zenith, JLC or something else a step down. Not that impressed.
The only highlight is the price point which is a move in the right direction. Lange did the same with the 37mm Saxonia, but without compromising innards and finishing.

Saxonia Thin 37mm in precious metal !

Beautiful movement, finish...what else as a customer I would think of ?!

Best,
Mahesh.,