Vacheron Constantin

Following up on my lug post below, I'd like to show off one of my favorite cases that VC has ever produced, distinct from the lugs (again, a subject on which I could spill hundreds of words, and better still, photos).

The Patrimony Extra-Plate (ultra thin), reference 33093, is a small watch, but the details of the case make it truly special. Were the case entirely given a high-polish finish, as one might think from the head on view here,

then the case would be boring. But with the vertical satin finishing on the side of the case moving into the high polish of the lugs,

this case becomes interesting and beautiful. It is a small detail, but the attention to every small detail is what makes the watches of Vacheron Constantin so special.

That the watch has a sapphire case back to showcase the caliber 1003 is just icing on the cake.

What are you favorite case designs?

Bill

I invite youto take a wild guess.  ;-)

Your are absolutely right about the fine details of the ultra flat case.  Really lovely -- I always admire that kind of mix of polished and brushed metal on cases.  This is a wonderful example.  The case overall is too small for me, but look how nice the 1003 movement fits inside this size case.  It is such a beautiful watch.  If one can wear this size, it could be the perfect dress watch, no?

Thanks for reminding me of this beautiful VC.

Best,

respo

I can guess your favorite case. Do you own it yet? ;-)

I found that I only wore the 33093 when I dressed in a dark suit, so my wearing of it was limited. It was a perfect for those occasions. Like with the pocketwatch I wrote about not long ago, the 33093 was a watch I really like having and holding, even though I hardly ever strapped it on.

Bill

Bill, I don't know what my favorite case is, but I do love how VC manages to make cases that are elegantly simple, yet with discreet sophistication that makes them interesting. You show a great example in the Patrimony Ultra Thin (33093), which was the watch that drew me to VC when I was first picking out a fine watch. I wasn't previously aware of the brushed side that you showed in your post, but that detail gives me an even greater appreciation for that watch. The Patrimony Traditionnelle Self Winding (87172) is another nice example of a deceptively simple case with some sophisticated touches. As you highlighted in your review, there is just enough of a step along the edge of the case and some subtle patterning at the bottom edge to make it interesting. Indeed, your pointing out those subtle features helped encourage me to buy a preowned one when I had the opportunity to do so.

a lot as well. I think it will age well and be a good platform for VC for a very long time.

Bill

If you should ever happen to come across the book   The World of Vacheron Constantin, by Lambelet and Coen,
there is included towards the back over 130 pages surveying some of the watch styles produced by V&C over the
decades; it is a truly boggling and beautiful variety considering the very modest production volumes.

My only V&C wristwatch demonstrates also this attention to detail circa 1960.  From the front the case appears to
be almost entirely brushed concentrically:



The side view reveals that the top level of the bezel is inclined, but also polished:



From the side you can see the radically downsloped design of every feature of the case, as well as the polished sides of the lugs:



The back shows that the lugs are actually triangular in section:

and your photographs really capture those details beautifully.

And Steve, I'll be coming back around to your watch when I post about my favorite movement...

Bill

[nt]

 I'm sure you are tired of hearing this, but that beautiful Extra-Flat Patrimony was nominated as one of the top 100 industrial designs of the 20th century!

The simple ref 4958 in vintage , the 47022 the little chronomètre Royal before the last series, the Repetition Minute Cabinotiers and I love the Quai de L'île in Palladium (polish brushed effect)... .so many

Let's say the less known 4958