Vacheron Constantin

I don't quite get the gist of your post. Are you interested in a 50 year old VC wristwatch? They were making great watches half a century ago.

Bill

I am sorry I misposted before I asked my question!

I meant to say I have lurked and learned here and elsewhere, and wanted to ask for some advice. if that's OK.

I have had a few watches over the years, and now approaching 50 myself, decided I would like a similarly aged watch companion for the coming years, and thought a VC would be perfect. Simple and classic, ideally with a (decent sized) date window. Not worried if auto or manual. I will look after it, but would like it if possible to be robust so I can wear it carefully most days. I am London based and imagine I can spend up to £10,000, but maybe I only need to spend £5000?

Any suggestions? I will enjoy the search, and will appreciate any ideas.

best regards
Bruce

you'll be getting an automatic watch. And if it is a 50 or so year old VC it will be a caliber 1072-based watch. There are some great examples out there, such as the "Cioccolatone"  with date, one of which I think is at the next Antiquorum auction in NY. Also the so-called Turnograph models (Ref 6782) are a great choice. They are rare and authentically should have a cycloptic window over the date.

Have fun with your hunt!

 

Bill

because it sound right on target!

Fifty years ago was I think pretty much the peak of accomplishment for simple wristwatch timekeeping, and the CR
is pretty much the peak example.  Typical of VC over the years, the designs are beautifully executed and distinctive but
 classic, sizes are proper contemporary dress (33-38mm), and the movements are absolutely breathtaking.  While
the pieces are relatively rare, you should be able to find several reputable examples at any given time, pretty much
all well below your maximum budget.

My lone VC wristwatch is from the early '60s, and I can think of almost nothing that would improve it.  Good luck!

Vacheron sourced most of its movement blanks from JLC back in the 40's, 50's and 60's, when these Chronometer Royal watches were made. The calibers 1007/BS and 1008/BS are the finest finished versions of this particular ebauche that you will see. It is also the base behind the VC calibers 453 and 454, as well as the triple calendar (both with and without moonphase) 485 and 495.

 

Bill

movements I have based on JLC's 12.5 ligne ebauche:

JLC WWW    ----    JLC Mark 11

JLC Geophysic    --    V&C Chronometre Royal

looking at the top left corner pic, got a question in mind, what is the meaning of the big "arrow" located at the edge near the bottom of the movement?

grateful if you can let me know that.

stefan

one of my very favorite JLC watches, the Mark 11, in this case made in 1953 for the Royal Australian Air Force. 

One of 2950 pieces, designed along with the more famous IWC Mark 11 to these
British Ministry of Defense specifications (not my pic):



The arrow is the 'broadarrow' of the British MOD, as shown on the original back:





One of JLC's most elaborated simple movements, it is the Cal. 488 SBr (Stop seconds, Breguet hairspring), which despite a
 very plain appearance is very highly finished.  Check out the polish on this anchor:



Here it is on the wrist:

hi Steve, thanks very much for the reply.

the big arrow means it is a military movement.

by the way, thanks also for the very informative materials and superb photos. really enjoy looking all these beautiful movement which make you feel good!

stefan