Vacheron Constantin

I've had this vintage piece from 1954 serviced, bought a new OEM strap, got an abstract from the archives, and even have the original box. The only thing I was missing was the original buckle which is a non descript buckle made by AW Depose. After looking...  

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I’m not sure if original or not, but my watch was from 1957 and through Les collectioneurs and this is the buckle ...  

I went with the half maltese cross version instead. The original buckle from 1954 looked similar to this... ...  

I honestly don't remember how long it took.

I just don't know the vintage market well enough to feel comfortable really collecting from these time periods. I figured I get one classic good example from either Vacheron or Patek and be done with it!

The lugs, as often with VC, are very characterful. And the case profile, as shown in Tick Talk's post from 2017 is wonderful. I've also seen two different variants, one with stick indexes and a circlular track (and no 'automatic'), the other with center s...  

some the earliest centre second automatics did omit an AUTOMATIC script for a time - they appear in the 1950s catalogs alongside those with AUTOMATIC! Perhaps to offer a choice for their more conservative clientele? They got over their shyness though, and...  

I knew you would have a good eye and knowledge.

The reason you see various dial versions of these pieces in the 1950's is that Vacheron would make 25 or so dial variants then discontinue the dial. It was a way to make their retailers feel like they were getting a limited edition piece. I honestly wish ... 

And your version is absolutely beautiful !

piece. Especially like the mix of numerals and markers.

Great to aspire to if you're from 1954 (like me)

www.watchprosite.com (you aren't tick talk, are you?) Seems you got a first gen automatic there. Nice.

love the strap colour too! The period buckles, usually 14 mm, pop up occasionally on fleabay. For general interest, here is a timeline on buckles: ...  

A couple of times I almost purchased a buckle from the 50's off ebay but I never did for whatever reason. It bothered me for so long that I figured I'd just spend some money for one at the boutique and hope that it helps lead toward to a 222 in SS someday...