Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ultra-Fine 1955: 5y review

Jun 18, 2020,15:08 PM
 

As a recovering watches-addict wink  I am enjoying my past purchases. Here is the Vacheron Constantin Historiques Ultra-Fine 1955 bought in late 2015.

You might think that this is just a dress watch.

I think that is much more: an elegant every day watch (but of course not for the beach or sports!) not just for the office but -- especially relevant in 2020 -- the home office.

It fits particularly wear if you wear a formal shirt (which many do even in home office. Being at home doesn't always mean being dressed down when you work).

I would say that in the past these watches would see the light just in special occasion: the opera, a special event. But I think that every day is special!

But now some photos including the movement:







With many watches I didn't wear this as  much as I would have liked but I  plan to give to this watch a bit more wrist time smile 
I don't think is a watch for everyone (e.g. in the same style the Patrimony Manual Winding is not very thick either and at a much better price) but it is a gorgeous piece perhaps more for the connoisseur that really wants a very thin watch with smaller proportions. 



In the past 5 years though this watch has been a very trusted companion for all these days when I felt that "less is more"  


The strap is also fantastic. Very soft, shiny black fits perfectly with the watch and confers a lot of character. 


The movement gives us a bit of an explanation on why this is truly different than a patrimony: the movement is in gold and thinner than a 20 Swiss cents coin. 
In the past years the big trend was sport watches: as we all know you can't get many sport models or there is a huge wait list everywhere. Not so much for dress watches (may be because the lifestyle has changed...may be even more with home office) and indeed a sport watch is very versatile. Yet something magically elegant happens when you wear this watch. Perhaps you are transported to a different time, a different vibe.  It is not a watch to show off because most people won't noticed it or identify it as being special. I recall seeing this watch before and not being sure if I would enjoy it as much.

I did and I look forward to many more years with this very special Vacheron Constantin Ultra-fine. 


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Comments: view entire thread

 

Such a beautiful classic dress watch! [nt]

 
 By: esddmd : June 18th, 2020-15:22
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thank you! [nt]

 
 By: christianch : June 18th, 2020-17:03
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An underappreciated watch! Ultra Thins are Ultra Special! [nt]

 
 By: patrick_y : June 18th, 2020-15:33
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yes very slim ! [nt]

 
 By: christianch : June 18th, 2020-17:04
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Absolutely love this! Quite possibly the ultimate "black tie" watch!

 
 By: jleno : June 18th, 2020-16:00
Looks great on your wrist as well, a perfect size!
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thank you

 
 By: christianch : June 18th, 2020-17:04
the size is really nice. I don't mind bigger watches but this has a special balance/proportions.
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Exquisite!

 
 By: LS : June 18th, 2020-17:11
The VC 1003 is a fantastic acheivement.
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The gold movement! [nt]

 
 By: Spangles - Dr. Tabby : June 18th, 2020-17:14
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What a beauty!

 
 By: hackingseconds : June 18th, 2020-17:40
What a beautiful timepiece you got there. I would wear it frequently as well, with a matte brown alligator strap it will go well with a lot of outfits.
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I agree with you, it's a beautiful watch from both sides. It may look stunning in brown shoes..

 
 By: Pun : June 18th, 2020-19:52
Wear it in good health.
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will need to try that :) [nt]

 
 By: christianch : June 19th, 2020-01:14
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Type of watch and brand I love. Watch for the watch type of watch ☺️

 
 By: agyzace : June 18th, 2020-22:46
Thanks for sharing this superb piece Christian! Alex
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you are welcome!

 
 By: christianch : June 19th, 2020-01:14
a bit of a under appreciated watch so glad to share
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I did not know about its movement. It is awesome overall... [nt]

 
 By: agyzace : June 19th, 2020-01:32
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yes the movement is an hidden secret..I think probably the only one in gold in a thin watch [nt]

 
 By: christianch : June 19th, 2020-01:34
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Such a superb watch..thanks for sharing Christian!! [nt]

 
 By: agyzace : June 19th, 2020-12:25
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Very elegant watch, indeed. The Vacheron I like. And this movement! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : June 18th, 2020-23:08
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thank you :) glad that you like it too.

 
 By: christianch : June 19th, 2020-01:15
I know you like vintage and I am sure many similar vintage Vacheron are available at more reasonable prices
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Many I don't know, but I always have an eye on them, for sure. ;) [nt]

 
 By: amanico : June 19th, 2020-01:18
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Marvelous timepiece...

 
 By: George Gently : June 18th, 2020-23:26
A true beauty in many ways, lovely restrained. George
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yes really much under the radar! [nt]

 
 By: christianch : June 19th, 2020-01:16
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classic propotions and very very elegant timepiece !

 
 By: mahesh : June 19th, 2020-00:24
i like your first wrist shot !! Best, mahesh.,
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thank you! just on my balcony with the swiss flag on the background! [nt]

 
 By: christianch : June 19th, 2020-01:17
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Elegant

 
 By: Jurry : June 19th, 2020-00:30
Thanks for sharing. If I had to choose one word to describe this watch it would be β€œelegant” I agree it’s not just a dress watch. If one wears smart casual to a restaurant this watch is perfect. And can think of a million occasions like that one By the wa... 
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I agree especially with the dressing down

 
 By: christianch : June 19th, 2020-01:19
of course smart casual is fine but -- to my surprise -- I have seen really sloppy outfits even for senior executives. I like to always be dressed right and I feel that there is indeed an advantage. Looking the part is very important.
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It is beautiful!

 
 By: Pelle_thorstenson : June 19th, 2020-00:35
Can I ask about the size/thickness please? With my limited watch knowledge I have started to look for a 1955 PP Calatrava did you consider this when you bought this great VC? Any thoughts or advice to me from anybody within our community is highly appreci... 
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36 mm big, 4, 1 mm high. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : June 19th, 2020-00:39
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Thank you [nt]

 
 By: Pelle_thorstenson : June 19th, 2020-00:42
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like Nicolas said it is 36mm 4.1mm thickness

 
 By: christianch : June 19th, 2020-01:32
Now, as a comparison a patrimony from Vacheron would be 6.79 mm, the Patek Philippe Calatrava 5196R 7,68 mm. When I bought this I already had a Calatrava 5127 in white gold (that they don't make any more) which is around 9mm. I only buy new watches so the... 
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Yes, extra thinness is a plus for me, as well. And in platinum, you have a superb density. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : June 19th, 2020-01:39
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Never trier the platinum because

 
 By: christianch : June 19th, 2020-12:38
Is a bit pf a rare bird in ADs but is goood to have both versions!
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For sure! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : June 19th, 2020-12:45
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Patek's thinnest watch is the Ellipse 3738, an automatik watch

 
 By: COUNT DE MONET : June 19th, 2020-01:54
It is not theire manual 5196. The Ellipse is just under 6 mm, 5.79 or something.
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yes ! I have that in WG (remember? it was your advice to go for it)

 
 By: christianch : June 19th, 2020-02:01
still an amazing piece, need to get it from the safe
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I recall, now that you said it πŸ˜€

 
 By: COUNT DE MONET : June 21st, 2020-00:01
The 3738 is a keeper in any metal. I read somewhere that the popularity of the Ellipse has risen. I checked on chrono24 the offerings and yes, much fewer offerings than a few years ago. Your 1955 is one of the most desirable manual time only for me.
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Happy you also considered the Aronde 1954, too

 
 By: respo : June 19th, 2020-06:06
That once still haunts my dreams. One day, perhaps... ...  
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yes it was a very nice piece but discontinued now :(

 
 By: christianch : June 19th, 2020-07:12
wonder if some AD still have it
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Very nice!

 
 By: munichblue : June 19th, 2020-04:25
I like your watch very much, I like your attidude, but give God that you never see me dressed when I work from home. ;-)
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thank you! and lol don't worry

 
 By: christianch : June 19th, 2020-04:37
I did wear this watch at home in pyjama even so may be goes with any home outfit
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Indeed! ;-) [nt]

 
 By: munichblue : June 19th, 2020-13:05
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Wonderful piece

 
 By: Cookies : June 19th, 2020-05:30
It is understated and beautiful. The mechanism is exquisite. Yes it could be an everyday watch too. I hope you wear it more often.
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Thank you! I plan to make it

 
 By: christianch : June 19th, 2020-12:34
And everyday watch!
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Congratulations on your 5-year anniversary with the Historiques Ultra-fines 1955

 
 By: respo : June 19th, 2020-06:42
Mine has been with me for 8 years now. As I always say about this watch, the 1955 is simply a joy to wear. It feels like no other watch on the wrist. Mine says hello: Congratulations, once again. Cheers, respo ...  
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I saw one in the metal today. Even better in the real! [nt]

 
 By: amanico : June 19th, 2020-12:15
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Indeed in real is something

 
 By: christianch : June 19th, 2020-12:34
Very different!
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You can really get its exquisite nature. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : June 19th, 2020-12:38
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Thanks respo! Also for the pics! Your initial review

 
 By: christianch : June 19th, 2020-12:33
Was decisive and i recall you had amazing pics pf the Watch and also some nice πŸ‘ž! As you rightly said feel like no other watch on the wrist. Glad to hear thar yours is still with you!
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My vintage 6115 says hi.

 
 By: LS : June 19th, 2020-18:55
...  
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A beauty, Ted... Wow, very class. [nt]

 
 By: amanico : June 19th, 2020-23:27
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Beg your pardon?

 
 By: LS : June 20th, 2020-05:38
This is Lucas..
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Sorry, Lucas! ;) [nt]

 
 By: amanico : June 20th, 2020-06:39
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very nice..and charming

 
 By: christianch : June 20th, 2020-15:21
lots of vintage vachelor have the same spirit of this historique edition (perhaps at a much better price)
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Simplicity at its finest from VC. What a beautiful watch 😍 [nt]

 
 By: holdemchamp1225 : June 20th, 2020-11:39
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thank you ! really an under rated Vachelor that has a lot of character [nt]

 
 By: christianch : June 20th, 2020-15:23
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Thanks for your nice post. I actually wanted to buy it in 2015 too

 
 By: Reuven Malter : June 21st, 2020-05:44
But ended up with the Patek 5227, which is very similar but thicker. I loved the movement and the design but ultimately wanted a date and a modern movement. Great to hear that you made the right decision as i must agree - your watch is really so special!
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can't go wrong with 5127/5227

 
 By: christianch : June 22nd, 2020-15:42
and I am also with you regarding the date that is always a great addition. I would say the 5227 is a bit more versatile may be !
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Thumbs up for this VC.

 
 By: ronhan : June 23rd, 2020-05:47
That's what a dress watch should be, period.
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Great to see this write up!! My favorite modern VC! I’ve tried it in a few times, only the price keeps me from owning it. [nt]

 
 By: Handwound : June 25th, 2020-19:44
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I agree. Perhaps this is the downside of this watch [nt]

 
 By: christianch : June 26th, 2020-01:22
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Yes.....but what an ultra thin beauty. I once talked to a guy who had one, but sold it, because the hairs on his arm were too long for the case thinness !!! [nt]

 
 By: Handwound : June 26th, 2020-06:49
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indeed you can see sometimes the hair going over the watch even in some of my pics :)

 
 By: christianch : June 26th, 2020-07:05
strategy wise (although this community is not about pricing) I suggest always an AD were best deals (especially for pieces that are not so quick to move like this one) are possible.
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Good thought!! [nt]

 
 By: Handwound : June 26th, 2020-07:16
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