Vacheron Constantin

I’ve recently had the chance to spend some time with the Vacheron Constantin Malte Perpetual Calendar Chronograph 47112, and I have to admit it surprised me in person.

On paper the watch reads like a dream for someone who appreciates traditional complications: a manual-wind perpetual calendar chronograph, Geneva Seal era finishing, and the Lemania-derived calibre that sits within a lineage shared with some very well-known perpetual chronographs from the same period.

In the metal, the watch feels very classical. The 39 mm case sits beautifully on my wrist and the officer-style caseback is a detail you rarely see on complicated modern watches anymore.

What makes the decision interesting is the value proposition. The opportunity presented to me would put the Malte in roughly the same territory as what I originally paid for my A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 when it was purchased new. That comparison alone makes me pause and think about how the market currently values different kinds of horology.

For additional context, I was also able to try on the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph 5970 the same day. While that watch is obviously a benchmark for the category, the Malte actually felt more proportionate on my wrist.

So I’d really value the community’s perspective on a few points:

How do collectors here view the 47112 within Vacheron’s history?

Is the Malte case a positive or negative for long-term desirability compared with the Traditionnelle line?

Do you think these early-2000s Vacheron perpetual chronographs are underappreciated relative to their peers?

I’m trying to decide whether this is simply an interesting complication to enjoy, or one of those pieces that quietly represents a lot of watchmaking for the money.

Would love to hear thoughts from those who have owned or spent time with this reference.

and have been really happy with it so far. It had been sitting in a safe for a very long time and it looked brand new to me. I strated by sending the watch to VC for service and it has been performing perfect ever since. 

I am very keen on the platinum watch and would also get it serviced once purchased. The lugs are very attractive and add a uniqueness.

I appreciate your feedback as an owner.

buy the watch. You’ll never be sorry. I bought mine, also in platinum, and I love it and will never ever part with it. Until I die that is. It feels great. The size is wonderful. The touch of red on the white dial is so good. The moonphase being engraved is special. It oozes style everywhere you look; the lugs, the hands, the moonphase, the hunter back. Not to mention it is highly undervalued. When compared to a Patek it is very undervalued and under appreciated. I own the Patek version also (a couple iterations) and I find the Malte excites me more. Dont get me wrong, the Pateks are amazing and I love them also. It’s just that they strike me as a bit more “conservative” as compared to the Malte. You know you have a substantial and fine timepiece on your wrist when you strap that Malte on. No one will know. YOU will know. That’s all that matters. I cannot speak highly enough of this amazing and beautiful watch. Did I mention that the pushers are like butter also?

I agree with you about the lugs and the more I am researching this watch is exactly what I need in my collection. Understated is appealing to me as I am not worried about the hype watches.

Thanks for your feedback.

Thanks