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Vacheron Constantin

Really interesting information, Bill

 

I am so glad to have this insight regarding the design of the 1955.  In truth, the end result is that the indices look "ethereal," as I think you once described them.  They hold up very well even under the loupe. Indeed, the entire dial has a glow to it that I have not seen before.  Perhaps this is also due to the 4N pink gold case, which is just a really wonderful color, but the dial appears both warm and luxurious. The "golden" indices don't hurt!

It is a fine thing that VC has paid so much attention to the rigidity and robustness of what is the thinnest mechanical watch, for without confidence that the watch could hold up to the rigors of daily wear, as well as subsequent servicing, it would be merely thin but not useful.  Obviously robustness is one of the challenges of building an ultra-thin watch that is meant to be worn.

Thanks again for finding out the details of the dial production.

Best,

respo

 

PS -- Your photos annoy me. Grrrrrr. They are far better than anything I have been able to capture of the 1955.  I can tell myself I need a better camera, but the truth is I need a better photographer.  

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The Dial of Vacheron Constantin's Historiques 1955

 
By: WHL : May 30th, 2012-20:14
There has been some talk about Vacheron Constantin’s Historiques 1955 of late. I wrote a quick look review of this watch back in February of this year. vacheron.watchprosite.com Though I talked at length about the history of the design and the mov...  

Well Done Bill!

 
By: justindependent : May 31st, 2012-00:27
Bill You have the ability to constantly remind me that there are current models that tug at my heart strings! I often write off VC as a brand where I love their history and a little more agnostic on their current line up. However this simple 2 hand watch ... 

I'm guessing you still need to get the....

 
By: WHL : May 31st, 2012-19:07
Historiques Chronograph into your collection before you start to pursue some of these other fine VC watches you listed. I wish you luck on your hunt ( and that goes for you, too, respo and Alexe)! Bill

yes bill!

 
By: justindependent : May 31st, 2012-22:48
Well, I can be flexible, but I am looking for a great 4178 (4177!!!). A good example is harder to find than expected..... I wouldnt turn my nose away from a well priced historique chrono. I am being to fall for the 1921..... what a stunner!

Let's make a deal...

 
By: respo : June 1st, 2012-07:46
You hunt the 4178 and leave the Historiques Chronograph to me. ;-) But you're going to have to get your own 1921...I'm not sharing that one. ;-) By the way, which version of the 1921 are you falling for? Boutique or original? Best, respo

Really interesting information, Bill

 
By: respo : May 31st, 2012-05:53
I am so glad to have this insight regarding the design of the 1955. In truth, the end result is that the indices look "ethereal," as I think you once described them. They hold up very well even under the loupe. Indeed, the entire dial has a glow to it tha... 

I'm looking forward to your on the wrist review, respo.....

 
By: WHL : May 31st, 2012-19:20
I'm sure you'll get some good photos soon, because your photos of the 1921 are great. I like learning details like about the dial of the 1955 because they make me appreciate the watch so much more ? Bill

Thanks Bill Nice article on this detail

 
By: cisco : May 31st, 2012-06:56
I remember the nice talk I had with other people in Münich and especially with Mr Selmoni, when he talked how they made the dial as thin as possible. And I remember quite well this 1955. When the watch arrived, along with the square ultra thin and some ot... 

I hope to see you wearing a 1955 some day, Francois.....

 
By: WHL : May 31st, 2012-19:37
though I know you like a lot of other VC designs as well. We collect them because it's hard to stop with just one! Bill

Great info Bill

 
By: Tick Talk : May 31st, 2012-06:58
Love to hear these details and, most importantly, the reasons and choices behind VC design techniques.

A question for you Dean.....

 
By: WHL : May 31st, 2012-19:47
Since you follow the vintage VC market much more closely than I do, do you think that it is fair to say that there are fewer vintage 1003-based watches to be found in near-mint or better condition than when looking at similar era VC watches with larger ca... 

I'm intrigued by your question Bill

 
By: Tick Talk : June 1st, 2012-08:16
and would love to hear your theories. It seems to me at this point in time that too many vintage VC on the market are of poor quality, regardless of caliber.

i have to agree

 
By: justindependent : June 1st, 2012-19:25
I actively look for good examples. It is not easy to find and i am suspicious of franken watches. Too many times you open up the back and it has been butchered or just grim. The dial quality can be random. Now that Bill has asked the question, i have noti... 

Some thoughts

 
By: WHL : June 4th, 2012-13:07
Dean and Justin: I think there are a good number of 1003 watches out there to be had, but often they seem to have not aged well, at least relative to the larger caliber watches. Part of the problem is that their relatively small size means that they aren'... 

Thanks for the insight :)

 
By: Mark in Paris : May 31st, 2012-14:33
As I said to Respo recently, it is my favorite dressy watch, excellence of elegance. Best, Mark