Tony C.
1239
My first Vacheron: a not-so-brief introduction!
In recent years, I have begun to put together and refine a modest sized collection of vintage watches. As the refining process began to take shape, I found myself focussing mainly on high-grade automatics from the late '50's through the early '70's. This was a natural gravitation, as the models which served as the catalyst for my interest in vintage watches were the classic, earlier versions of the IWC Ingenieur. And while I do tend to prefer those watches which are cased in stainless steel as opposed to precious metals, I have always been attracted to the finest dress watches of the aforementioned golden period of watchmaking.
My first foray into that sub-category was a gold Audemars Piguet cal. 2071 (those interested can search for my posts on the watch in the AP forum). I was very fond of the watch, and particularly impressed with the movement. As some of you know, the cal. 2071/72 movements are very similar to the V&C cal. 1071/72 movements. They are all based on a JLC ebauche, and were finely finished in their respective houses. These movements, particularly the V&C version, which carry the Geneva Seal (or Poincon de Geneve), are outstanding and beautiful. Here are the basics of the K1071:
Poincon de Geneve stamp, rhodium plated, "fausses-côtes" decoration, 29 jewels, straight line lever escapement, beryllium balance with timing screws, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and five positions, shock-absorber, Breguet balance-spring, swan-neck micrometer regulator, 18K gold-edged rotor with ruby roller bearings.
The movements are best known for the last two above-mentioned features. Like the AP version, and, more to the point, the Patek Philippe cal. 12-600, with which the K1071/72 were designed to compete, the rotor edge was made of 18k gold in a beautiful guilloche pattern. The ruby roller bearings were an important design feature in that they reduce rotor friction.
While it is not my watch, here is a link to some excellent photos of the k1071 movement (thanks to herbfarm):
click here
Now, on to my new (old) V&C. Aesthetically, I have always been most attracted to simple, elegant dial designs. I also tend to prefer non-date versions. A few weeks ago I came across this V&C, and it fit all of my criteria for a fine dress watch. Given the similarity of the movements and dial designs, I couldn't easily justify owning both the AP and V&C, so I traded the former (plus a few dollars) for the latter. I just received the V&C yesterday, and am extremely pleased with it thus far.
I have relatively small wrists, so the 35mm size is just fine. The 18k yellow gold case is in excellent condition, and the hallmark shows clearly. The only feature of the watch about which I am at all ambivalent are the lugs. I don't dislike them, but they are a bit more straight and formal than those which I am used to. They do suit the watch very well, and, of course, a formal look on this type of dress watch is completely appropriate. I have a feeling that I will grow to like them.
The dial, which is in mint condition, is the high quality silver "sunburst" type which I have on several of my other watches. I am very fond of this sort of dial, as the quality is readily apparent from the manner in which the dial reflects light. It is also, in my view, a perfect compliment to the gold hands and markers on the V&C.
I can't over-stress the quality of the K1071 movement. In practical terms, the design allows the rotor to swing in a remarkably free fashion. This, in turn, powers the movement very efficiently, and requires less arm motion than most to do so. It is also quite accurate. I have not yet timed to the second, but since I first set the (45 year-old!) watch around 30 hours ago, it remains dead-on to the minute.
Finally, I'd like to thank for those of you who have either directy or indirectly helped me to learn about the vintage Vacheron & Constantin models. This type of forum is invaluable for those of us who like to engage in thorough research before making a purchase.
Regards,
Tony C.
My first Vacheron: a not-so-brief introduction!
