jmpTT
859
The Cabinotiers program could offer watches made the old way...
I'd love the opportunity to handle this watch in the metal, just as I imagine it would feel quite a bit different from the modern 1921. Hopefully, this is not the last project of this sort undertaken. I'd genuinely like to see a Vacheron handmade "reborn" program opened to the public, even if it's only for a lucky few.
As Alex Ghotbi's archival posts attest, Vacheron's early wristwatches came in many interesting configurations, sometimes even using alloys that are no longer used (e.g. green gold). The cost to commission a piece, as well as the fragility of the watches would deter most collectors, but not all. For some, owning a brand new watch that has the handmade imperfections of a bygone era would be extremely appealing. These new handmade watches could exist alongside the collection of restored vintage models (at a more attainable pricepoint), perhaps even made in variations that never existed, but are still in the spirit of the 1920s/1930s.
With Patek and AP getting flak for being very industrial, just a few handmade pieces trickling to collectors and amongst the media would give Vacheron an alternate class of halo products to complement the grand complications (also not everyone's cup of tea). It is a great opportunity for the historic brand to offer something that even the most exclusive independents cannot - brand new watches that are directly tied to the spirit of a different time through the brand's century-old archives.
