Vacheron Constantin

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking in and out of the forum for a year or so,

Now I came to a point where, I need to own a VC, so after owning few fine luxury pieces I figured that if I can locate a nice VC watch, I would purchase it

My budget is around $10K for a classic style, round dial....if the budget sems low, I'm open to suggestions...tips

I'm not looking for a piece to own for years, I'm looking for one to wear for 3-6 months, then sell and upgrade....which is what I usually do

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Contemporary Automatic is beautiful but you won't get it from an AD for $10k - they're priced deeper into the teens.  There may be some $10K beauties in the Collectors Market.  If not, ebay or other online sources at your own peril.

since you'll be selling in short order? There are lots of options I'm sure you are well aware of, from recent production to vintage pieces that will fit your budget. You may even be able to find a minor complication in your price range. Do be careful when buying this way.

For currently produced VC's from an AD I'd recommend either the Patrimony Contemporaine Ref 81180, which has a retail price $13,200 in yellow or rose gold ($14,700 in white) or the Patrimony Traditionnelle Ref 82172 in rose gold, which has a retail price of $14,400.  Both are classic dress watches that show VC at its best and are in your price range.

 

Bill

At the budget you mentioned, the Patrimony line offers two unbeatable classic VC watches.  The Traditionelle is sized just right for most wrists at 38mm and offers a view of VC's new cal. 4400 through its exhibition case back.  The Contemporaine manual winding also has an in-house movement (1400) inside the solid case back (although prettier than the 4400 IMHO, the 1400 is just too small to be shown through the back of a 40mm case).  I guess it all boils down to your preference.  I have the Contemporaine and just love it!  It is a keeper.

However, since you mentioned selling right away, buying from an AD may not be too good from a depreciation point of view (most luxury items lose quite a bit of value after you step out of the store!).  In this regard, finding a used model to pass on from left to right in 6 months might be a better proposition.  Of course, buying used or from a grey market dealer will have its own caveats.

Good luck.

Kazumi

 

 

Pre-owned examples of the Toledo 1952 with full B&P have fallen into the mid-to-high teens, which represents great value IMHO for a contemporary piece that has strong ties to the brand's heritage.  As others have said, beautiful and rare vintage V&C's are also available in that price range but you must have the patience to hold out for a piece with impeccable provinance.  But it seems for now flipping luxury watches is a risky business.  As the market stays flat, prices will continue to abate.  That's great when buying but no so much when selling.