Tick Talk
[Moderator Emeritus]
2278
AUTOMATIC script remains a question
some the earliest centre second automatics did omit an AUTOMATIC script for a time - they appear in the 1950s catalogs alongside those with AUTOMATIC!
Perhaps to offer a choice for their more conservative clientele? They got over their shyness though, and AUTOMATIC became a sought-after appellation.
Those verifiable images I've seen of sub-seconds models had the straight AUTOMATIC or, as with Tony's, script which curved over the sub-seconds dial. The example you shared of a sub-seconds without AUTOMATIC is also missing the SWISS which suggests an altered dial.
I finally have this one complete...
I've had this vintage piece from 1954 serviced, bought a new OEM strap, got an abstract from the archives, and even have the original box. The only thing I was missing was the original buckle which is a non descript buckle made by AW Depose. After looking...
Wow what a beauty!
I’m not sure if original or not, but my watch was from 1957 and through Les collectioneurs and this is the buckle ...
Thanks! Your modern buckle was the other option...
I went with the half maltese cross version instead. The original buckle from 1954 looked similar to this... ...
There sure is...
I just don't know the vintage market well enough to feel comfortable really collecting from these time periods. I figured I get one classic good example from either Vacheron or Patek and be done with it!
This ref. 4956 looks really good.
The lugs, as often with VC, are very characterful. And the case profile, as shown in Tick Talk's post from 2017 is wonderful. I've also seen two different variants, one with stick indexes and a circlular track (and no 'automatic'), the other with center s...
AUTOMATIC script remains a question
some the earliest centre second automatics did omit an AUTOMATIC script for a time - they appear in the 1950s catalogs alongside those with AUTOMATIC! Perhaps to offer a choice for their more conservative clientele? They got over their shyness though, and...
Thanks Emmanuel!.....
The reason you see various dial versions of these pieces in the 1950's is that Vacheron would make 25 or so dial variants then discontinue the dial. It was a way to make their retailers feel like they were getting a limited edition piece. I honestly wish ...
Thanks for your insight, Tony: I didn't know VC was doing it this way.
And your version is absolutely beautiful !
Great watch - simple, direct, good looking
Great to aspire to if you're from 1954 (like me)
found a nice writeup from WPS 2017
www.watchprosite.com (you aren't tick talk, are you?) Seems you got a first gen automatic there. Nice.
Nice addition Tony
love the strap colour too! The period buckles, usually 14 mm, pop up occasionally on fleabay. For general interest, here is a timeline on buckles: ...
Thanks as always for your insight Tick Talk...
A couple of times I almost purchased a buckle from the 50's off ebay but I never did for whatever reason. It bothered me for so long that I figured I'd just spend some money for one at the boutique and hope that it helps lead toward to a 222 in SS someday...
