Vacheron Constantin

Anybody own the Round Malte Openworked watches?  YG or WG?   Pictures?  Are you happy with this purchase or is it too small at 35.5 mm?

I have not seen anyone here claim to own one or even post a non-press picture of the watch.

When it comes to skeletonized watches I don't mind the smaller size case. If the case gets too big the movement may well look out of proportion to the watch as a whole.

The one issue I have with the openworked Malte is that the hands are thinner than is typical with the rest of the Malte line.

Bill

I've only seen one in person a little over a year ago in Chicago.  It was really beautiful and the size is not bad.  However,  the price was quite high and most time only skeleton watches seem to be a great bargain in the second hand market so I'm not sure how many of these watche VC will end up selling through ADs.

Best regards,

Dino

 

Why do they not hold their value well.  I would have thought that this Malte would be a great way to get a beautifully crafted VC skeleton at an entry level price.  If you can call around 40K entry level. 

I think in todays market where every watch seems to be 40+ mm and as thick as a hockey puck, average sized watches are often overlooked.  Not to generalize, but I will, often when I see younger guys with expensive watches they are big Royal Oak Offshores, Panerais, Breitling Bentely editions etc. or watches that are very blinging and attract attention to the wearer rather than something understated.  

I also think that often times as beautiful as some skeleton watches are they are not the easiest watches to read at a glance so they are not necessarily practical watches.   I also know some people that think all the engraving and thin cases makes them kind of feminine for men to wear. 

I personally think they are beautiful and are a great value in the second hand market, but thats just my 2 cents.  If you take a look at prices used skeletons fetch at auctions its not rare to see older AP and VC skeleton watches selling for well under $10,000.  If the watch is in great shape thats a bargain in my book.

Best regards,

Dino

 

I do own this piece, in WG -- bought new a couple of years ago from the AD at a good discount.  I posted photos here at the time -- don't know if they've been lost to history, server failure, whatever.  I'm on the road for about the next week -- will try to take and post some photos upon my return home.

I love the watch -- has the immortal 1120 movement, amazes me with its thinness and beauty, fantastic skeleton work as only VC does it, and looks great on the wrist.  The size is not a problem for me at all, and it's a great dress watch for symphony/opera/night on the town.  I get huge raves whenever I show it to anyone -- it's that pretty.

I have a fairly slim (but not tiny) wrist -- if I've been wearing one of my big honkers (like the Parmi Kalpagraph) immediately prior, it takes me a minute to get used to the size of the Malte, but it very quickly looks quite natural.  And it's a treat to see each time you pull up your cuff, not to mention the half-Maltese-cross buckle peeking out.  I do have to admit that my wife has worn the watch a couple of times as well, and it looks fine on her -- but it's plenty manly, IMHO.

Hope that helps -- will post more as I can.

Best,

Gary G

Thanks Gary,  That was exactly what I was looking to hear.  Please post some wrist pix if you can.