Brothers in arms: my VC Chronos

May 10, 2020,03:06 AM
 

70 years apart, but powered by the same engine, the Lemania 2310.


Both watches have many things in common: The 30-minute chronograph, dial layout, tachymeter scale, the fancy lugs. But both have their very own personality. The Cornes de Vache is a watch that is at the same time modern and vintage with it's contemporary dimensions, flowing lines and retro design. It looks good with jeans and a polo or worn with a suit and tie. Wherever you wear it, it is always distinctive but never loud.



The Ref. 4178, in contrast, clearly is a vintage watch. This example from 1948 is housed in a pink-gold case and bosts a champagne dial, giving it tons of character.


The dials of both watches are quite similar and true to the Vacheron history. But there are subtle differences, such as the indexes at 12&6, which are roman on the CDV and arabic on the 4178.


The movements of the two siblings also have quite a few differences, although both are baseed on the same Lemania ebauche. The CDV's Caliber 1142 uses the later version of Lemania's ebauche, which has a swan-neck regulator and 21 jeweils. VC changed the frequency in Cal. 1142 to 3 Hz/21600 v.p.h. while the original 2310/2320 beats at 2.5 Hz/18000 v.p.h (Source: watchwiki.net)
Sadly I have no pic of the Ref. 4178 movement, I hope you enjoy the shot of the Cornes de Vache's sexy back.







Which one do you like better?


Thanks for bearing with me, I hope you liked the post.

Have a great Sunday, all!

Daniel


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Comments: view entire thread

 

Actually I have in mind to streamline my collection, but I'm completely incapable of doing it :-)

 
 By: mrds : May 10th, 2020-03:15
And yes, the salmon Historiques, the Malte chrono, the Dubail edition.... So many outstanding chronos by VC!
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That would be thrilling to achieve such a theme.

 
 By: amanico : May 10th, 2020-03:29
As we speak of the 4178, what about this one? ...  
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A grail for me. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : May 10th, 2020-06:16
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A worthy grail

 
 By: Tick Talk : May 11th, 2020-06:26
Not mine any longer though :-( ...  
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Ouch, that was a superb one! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : May 11th, 2020-08:30
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No regrets

 
 By: Tick Talk : May 11th, 2020-14:53
it paid some bills ;-)
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What a stunner! Superb... [nt]

 
 By: mrds : May 11th, 2020-12:47
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dream one [nt]

 
 By: teacher Sun : May 14th, 2020-01:31
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Both wonderful

 
 By: George Gently : May 10th, 2020-03:41
for me the modern Historique (CdV) however, is an absolute dream. What an extremely fine watch oozing class. Thanks! Kind Regards, George
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Thanks, George!

 
 By: mrds : May 10th, 2020-04:11
I own the CDV since 2018 and it is one of the watches I have on my wrist most often. It’s just so delicious to look at! Glad you like it, and thanks for your kind words. Daniel
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I can unserstand that, Daniël.

 
 By: George Gently : May 10th, 2020-04:49
I’d be obliged if you share pictures of your CdV more often with us. It’s indeed a sight to behold.
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mrsds just stole it from me after I took the pics 😄

 
 By: mrds : May 10th, 2020-07:51
but I‘m happy to post some more if I eventually get it back.
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That shows, that mrsds has good taste as well.

 
 By: George Gently : May 10th, 2020-08:45
Thanks in advance, Daniel 🥂
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Fantastic duo

 
 By: TeutonicCarFan : May 10th, 2020-04:54
that platinum CdV 🤤
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Glad you like it, CarFan 🙏 [nt]

 
 By: mrds : May 10th, 2020-07:52
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The best!

 
 By: TeutonicCarFan : May 10th, 2020-12:24
CdV and black dial duomtre chronograph really are my favorites right now, and maybe the enamel breguet . Oddly right now I am thinking of something for centennial of the 1921, they can't ignore that!
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Ahh the 1921...

 
 By: mrds : May 10th, 2020-13:34
A constant obsession for me! There is hope... Cheers, Daniel
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How I understand you. I am half way...

 
 By: amanico : May 10th, 2020-13:37
...  
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A very alluring piece, this Duometre! [nt]

 
 By: mrds : May 10th, 2020-14:26
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Wonderful!

 
 By: TeutonicCarFan : May 10th, 2020-16:21
This one is splendid.. the rose gold really pops with the background.
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Yes, the CDV is an absolute pleasure to wear

 
 By: mrds : May 10th, 2020-07:56
I wear it far more often than the 4178, which is reserved for special occasions. If I take the feedbacks so far as votes, the CDV has a 4-1 lead. Cheers, Daniel
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Amazing duo! [nt]

 
 By: mj23 : May 10th, 2020-07:38
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Thank you, Sir! [nt]

 
 By: mrds : May 10th, 2020-07:56
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Fantastic combo!

 
 By: J K : May 10th, 2020-08:20
Funny enough, I prefer the older version though.
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I very much love the poetic charm of it

 
 By: mrds : May 10th, 2020-08:24
Thanks for chiming in! Daniel
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Both are stunning.

 
 By: jlux : May 10th, 2020-08:20
This is some of the best from VC!
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Thanks for your kind words, jlux 🙏 [nt]

 
 By: mrds : May 10th, 2020-08:25
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Yess! The pleasure lies in the details...

 
 By: mrds : May 10th, 2020-09:47
...and you seem to know the fine print, Sir! Thanks, and enjoy. Daniel
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I’d prefer the CdV - it is absolutely unbelievable!

 
 By: jkvs : May 10th, 2020-11:39
A classic of tomorrow.
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Thank you, Sir!

 
 By: mrds : May 10th, 2020-13:33
.
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Any idea why the 3, 6, and 9 minute markers on the older version?

 
 By: mdg : May 10th, 2020-11:52
Was thinking maybe something to do with timing phone calls?
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You have sharp eyes, mdg.

 
 By: mrds : May 10th, 2020-13:29
Frankly I have no ideas about the 3-6-9 on the minute register. Phone calls might be a good bet. I‘ll check with VC staff once they reopen. Thanks for watching!
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Thanks...back when this watch was new...

 
 By: mdg : May 10th, 2020-14:09
...I’m guessing long distance calls were pricey...that’s my guess and I’m sticking with it : )
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that is the official version

 
 By: Tick Talk : May 11th, 2020-06:31
as long-distance calls were billed in 3-minute increments. 9 minutes wouldn't cover a call between my wife and daughters!
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: ) [nt]

 
 By: mdg : May 11th, 2020-09:19
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I put this question forward to VC

 
 By: mrds : May 11th, 2020-12:33
after all they have the history and the historians. I‘m curious what their explanation is. I‘ll keep you posted.
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I hope the good people at VCs Heritage Dept

 
 By: Tick Talk : May 12th, 2020-17:04
get back into the offices soon, there must be a bit of a backlog by now. While you wait, this is from Complicated Watches and their Repair by Donald de Carle, 1956 ...  
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Great detective work : ) [nt]

 
 By: mdg : May 12th, 2020-17:27
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Great insight, thanks a lot Tick Talk!

 
 By: mrds : May 12th, 2020-23:13
Outstanding community in this forum, the knowledge here never stops to amaze me! Have a great day. Daniel
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My Friend, I don't have a chrono but I have this 1949 grandfather

 
 By: shipkeeper : May 10th, 2020-12:01
All the Best. Juan ...  
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Wow, what a wonderful VC!

 
 By: mrds : May 10th, 2020-13:25
That guilloche dial, and sensual case... Top class! Thanks for sharing this with us, dear Juan! Daniel
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Beautiful pieces

 
 By: Tick Talk : May 11th, 2020-06:20
and not to nit pick but your 4178 has a 13-ligne Valjoux calibre 434 with 19 jewels I celebrate other differences, as well. Mention of the ampersand was already made, and along that theme, the ref 4178 is an original model and the CdV is a homage to the r...  
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Thanks, TickTalk, for the movement pic and additional info

 
 By: mrds : May 11th, 2020-12:39
Beautiful movement in your 4178! You’re spot on with the info on the movement. The only point I‘m not sure is that you state a Valjoux Cal. 434, while I thought it to be a VC Cal. 434 based on Lemania‘s 2310. Could you explain the Valjoux connection? Than... 
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Valjoux vs Lemania

 
 By: Tick Talk : May 12th, 2020-09:26
This from : In the 1940's, Lemania and Omega worked together on a project called "27 CHRO C12" to develop a 27 mm diameter chronograph with a 12-hour register. Lead by Albert Piguet and Jaques Reymond, this project resulted in the 1942 launch of the Leman... 
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Thanks for pointing this out, Tick Talk. I stand corrected.

 
 By: mrds : May 13th, 2020-03:31
So, no "same engine" in the two chronos. Valjoux 22 ebauche in the 4178's Cal. 434, Lemania 2320 ebauche in the Cornes de Vache Cal. 1142. I keep learning from you, dear Tick Talk Daniel
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Thank-you for the pleasure

 
 By: Tick Talk : May 13th, 2020-08:28
of discussing what makes these beautiful watches tick
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👌🏻 [nt]

 
 By: mrds : May 13th, 2020-11:24
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Thanks a lot, Ed!

 
 By: mrds : May 11th, 2020-23:21
Coming from you, those words count double 🙏
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