The Effect of Strap Choice....Case In Point?

Early in 2011 I came to own a rather "under the radar" VC, namely the Royal Eagle Chronograph (second version, with the raised numbering, discontinued in 2009). I was able to purchase it from an Authorized Dealer (with VC warranty). It made sense for me because I was looking for a quality, "manufacture" chronograph that could function in a variety of milieu. I had originally settled on a JLC Master Chronograph until I saw this piece and was given an "offer I couldn't refuse". Tonneau-shaped cases have always worn well on my bony 7.25 inch wrist and here, I was attracted by the modest (40 mm x 37 mm) size of the case and the fact that the dial said "Vacheron Constantin".

Since owning it, I've mused about how the Royal Eagle never quite "made it" into the permanent line-up of VC models unlike it's first-cousin, the Overseas (the Royal Eagle Chrono and Overseas Chrono use the same Frederic Piguet movement). I've come to feel that Vacheron may have misstepped in trying to position the Royal Eagle as, first and foremost, a "versatile sport watch" (and offering this particular dial color with a somewhat overstated tan strap with thick, white stitching). From a purely marketing perspective, I feel this took the watch in the wrong direction.

To me, this model's strength was, and is, as a stylish, solid steel dress chronograph that can be used in both formal and casual situations. I also decided this is a case where changing the strap might capture more of the "dressy" essence of the piece, something VC's marketing never quite did. I settled on a matte black, rather understated, Camille Fournet strap with slight accents of blue. This allows the Royal Eagle to be seen, and worn, as more of a "dress" piece, moving it away from the "sporty" and toward a more traditional and subdued tenor....more "VC-ish", if you will....And now I really like it and its gestalt.

So with apologies for the quality of the photographs (and with thanks to Apple for giving me tools to camouflage some of my photographic ineptness), here are a few pictures of the VC Royal Eagle Chronograph with this Camille Fournet strap. Please take a look and tell me whether you agree. And thanks.

Cheers,

DB Darien

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Much better

By: respo : January 2nd, 2012-12:30

Yes, I like it very much on this strap. It definitely makes this VC more versatile. I love tonneau shaped watches, too, and you don't see many tonneau chronographs. Well, regardless of its popularity, this Royal Eagle provides a great value for the money,...

I agree

By: dsgalaxy1 : January 3rd, 2012-13:03

This is my new "old" watch, with a brown strap. I will make some better pictures...

The black strap is perfect for the watch,

By: docsnov : January 2nd, 2012-23:32

and the watch is fantastic. I cannot imagine a tan strap with white stitching looking good with this watch. I think black straps always go well with white metal watches, and I agree that this is a more formal chronograph,it should not be marketed as a spo...

Before pics?

By: Tick Talk : January 3rd, 2012-06:58

Do you have any pics with the tan strap?

Here You Go....

By: db darien : January 3rd, 2012-08:09

...

I think I like both

By: Tick Talk : January 6th, 2012-20:08

Amazing how the character changes with a simple strap change. Nice to have the choice to go formal or casual.

The Royal Eagle line

By: WHL : January 3rd, 2012-09:03

was designed as a two watches collection. One was the Chronograph, and it was offered in stainless steel as well as in rose gold. The other was the Chronometer Day-Date, and it was only offered in white and rose gold. The Matle Tourbillon had the same des...

Important Caveat....

By: db darien : January 5th, 2012-07:42

Thank you for your input, Bill. I'm honored the Forum Moderator has chosen to offer up his much-valued perspective! One caveat, though, is that the size of the case in the new Malte Tonneau VC currently offers is significantly larger (50" x 40") than the ...