Watches Blog Wrist Watch Reviews

A white gold case, a gray dial with day, date, and month indicators, and the added bonus of a moonphase give the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar its name. Traditional in its layout and fashionable in its dial color slate gray is the new black this white gold Vacheron appears both complicated and understated.Let's talk calendars before going deeper into the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Complete Calendar (41,200). There are watches out there with simple, double, triple, full, complete, annual, semi-, and fully perpetual calendars. Sometimes, the differences are purely semantic. Most of the time, however, the functions are different. So, it all starts with the simpl [...]

You might think that finding the perfect dress watch is one of the easier tasks that might present itself to a watch collector during their journey through our shared hobby. After all, a dress watch is about as stylistically simple as they come, right?Generally held to have just two or three hands with an uncluttered, timeless dial, the dress watch genre sounds one of the simplest to master on paper. However, as time has passed, so too have the boundaries of what is considered dressy expanded. Nowadays, while dress watches still tend to be made from precious metals, their dials can have a little bit more going on and still pass the eye test. To illustrate this point (which will no doubt be h [...]

The origins of Vacheron Constantin go back to 1755 when Jean-Marc Vacheron (1731-1805) founded his watchmaking business. This makes it one of the oldest watch brands in the world. In 1819, Fran?ois Constantin joined the company, leading to the name Vacheron Constantin. Much later, in 1970 to be precise, the was dropped, and the name Vacheron Constantin was born. Sound like a dull history lesson? Well, at least it fits our The Best Boring But Brilliant Watches In The World series perfectly. Let's have a look at the Vacheron Constantin Patrimony an underwhelming watch collection or the ultimate essence of a historical maison?In the early 2000s, watch brands tried to convince the public that [...]

As the final months of 2021 draws closer and the year of the Ox comes to an end, Vacheron Constantin thinks ahead not to January, but to February first. This is when Chinese New Year celebrations will take place and the year of the tiger will begin. The Swiss brand marks the transition into the new year with two limited edition watches that pay tribute to the auspicious animal. A symbol of good luck that drives away evil spirits, the Tiger also represents power, authority, and strength. Brought to life by Vacheron's highly skilled craftspeople these watches are true horological masterpieces with added symbolic value. These pieces will surely take a place of pride in just a lucky few collecto [...]

It's been a few weeks since some of the Fratello team packed our bags and headed to Switzerland for Geneva Watch Days 2021. That may technically now be old news, but some of the fantastic things we saw were top secret and under embargo, so we've been unable to share them with you. Well, today, I can share one of those fantastical things now that it's made its way into the open. That is the new production version of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual-Time Everest.Back in 2019, Vacheron Constantin held an event in New York to celebrate the recent attempt of noted pro-photographer, explorer, and VC ambassador Cory Richards to ascend Mount Everest along the Tibetan North-East Ridge. Amazingly [...]

Enamel dials are, to some degree, the darlings of the watch industry. A famously fussy material that takes great skill to work with and master. We sit up and listen when we see brands launching watches using enamel dials. Why? Because when done well, enamel dials look absolutely incredible, adding a level of depth and visual appeal quite unlike any other material. So, what are some of the best enamel dials in the business? Lets take a look.??AnOrdainAs a Brit, I have to start this list off with a British company. At Fratello, were also quite fond of anOrdain as theyve made waves over the last few years with a range of stunning enamel-dialed watches. The Scottish brand uses vitreous, or Grand [...]

The Historiques American 1921 Excellence Platine is a watch that made me realize that Vacheron Constantin is still the boss. In the past, things were much easier than they are today. Once upon, we had the big three, the holy trinity, the masters of watchmaking clearly defined: Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin stood atop the mountain. All others could do little but marvel at their superiority. There was a huge gap between that trio and whichever brand came next. Those were simpler times.Today, its much more complicated. New high-end brands have entered the game and are right up there with the holiest of holies. Even in the same stable as Vacheron Constantin, the Richem [...]

Vacheron Constantin presents a strictly limited split-second chronograph (Rattrapante) as an addition to its Excellence Platine collection. The movement inside this watch is a modern interpretation of a classical Rattrapante movement with a number of enhancements, including a peripheral winding rotor. Almost every other part of this watch is made of platinum.Traditionelle Split-Seconds Chronographe Ultra-Thin Collection Excellence Platine is a strong contender for one of the longest names for a watch model. This name also is a funny mixture of French and English words. The French words Rattrapante and ultraplat the brand obviously considers too exotic for an international audience. Nonethele [...]

Among many novelties, three of them from Vacheron Constantin are extremely limited. The Vacheron Constantin M tiers d'Art line is a tribute to some of the World's most famous explorers, and, as one would expect from this holiest of brands, each one of these pieces has been caressed into being by the hands of a trained artisan. Its hard to associate work like this with the majority of the industry. This is real art. And while it is, like the kind of art wed expect to see hanging on the walls of galleries around the world, divisive, no one could realistically disparage the effort and skill put into these models creation.?To commemorate the greatest Portuguese explorers of the 15th century, Vac [...]

When I took a look at the 2020 Vacheron Constantin Overseas QP in pink gold, I still longed for the steel version. The pink gold case with matching bracelet certainly had an allure with the luscious blue dial. But for many, gold is still a barrier of entry for those looking to upscale to a complicated timepiece with sumptuous hand-finishing, but in stainless steel. One of todays announcement offers a glimpse to the potential of white metal on the QP, but if anything is more expensive in the white gold case and bracelet.Sorry to bait and switch with the promise of steel on blue dial Overseas QP. I, too, had the hope for a utilitarian material mixed with high-end hotness. For now, Vacheron int [...]

Not so long ago, in 2020, Vacheron Constantin released its second iteration of the g rie collection with a completely new design. Today the new g rie comes out Indeed, it is a high jewelry timepiece but very contemporary regardless. For me, it's a very significant design that changes perspective on ladies' watches, and here's why-We have two new models to assess: the 18k white gold and the 18k 5N pink gold Vacheron Constantin g rie. These watches are set with 912 round-cut diamonds, turning what would otherwise be a demure 35mm case into a devastating glitter explosion. Among the (beautiful) noise, it is almost lost that the crown sits at 1 oclock a nice touch that gives the case more to [...]

At Vacheron Constantin, there is one department that exclusively produces unique custom-made watches: Les Cabinotiers. Each year a few watches that have been built in this department are presented to the public. In 2021 the brand releases three single-piece, high complication watches.Have you ever dreamed of designing your own watch? Vacheron Constantin is making this possible for you. They are running a department that does nothing else. In commemoration of the tradition of watchmakers from the 18th century, this department carries the name Les Cabinotiers. A Cabinotier was a (usually highly skilled) watchmaker who built watches all by himself on request. Back then, there was no serial prod [...]

Sure, the new Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 watches mark the 100th anniversary of a watch nicknamed American 1921, so its time to welcome another version of VCs classic drivers watch to the paddock, this time in ice-cold platinum But will it be a success 100 years after it first saw the light of day??The very first wristwatch was reputedly invented in 1868 but it looked completely different from what we are used to now. I always felt we live in times in which our choices depend so much on the prevailing trends, but also on the standards and pressures others put on us. I really wish people would make more diverse choices in terms of fashion, but also watches. Undoubtedly, even [...]

Were back and on time with Wrist Game or Crying Shame. This week, we offer a look at the charming Vacheron Constantin Chronograph 47101. Lets see if you have the courage to go out on your own or if those influencers will pull you back into the fold. Before we get to thatLast week, I served up a dinner plate full of IWC with the Portuguese Vintage. An astounding 69% of you arrived hungry and ready to dine on this massive manual wind throwback and sent it on to a great Wrist Game win. I enjoy seeing IWC up to some positive behavior, so well done on that. This week, we touch on another brand that escapes fawning praise from the collective doofuses that make up the hip crowd on social media. I [...]

During the summer, I went hands-on with three variations of the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar in pink gold. To say I was a bit spellbound would be an understatement. Of all the watches that have come my way this year, the full gold Overseas was my favorite. But like any sin, it comes at a price. Which is why this week, I am selecting four classic Vacheron Constantin watches that inspire the modern collection.VC may well be best known for its art deco and opulent collection of classic timepieces. In an age that generally requires strict trend conformity, Vacheron Constantin steadfastly believes in its traditional watchmaking and design. You don't survive 265 years of continu [...]

Watches with integrated bracelets are booming right now. One of the original brands that introduced a watch with an integrated bracelet, introduced a new addition today. I am talking about the Vacheron Constantin Overseas self-winding 41mm in pink gold.While Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and IWC asked Grald Genta for help, Vacheron Constantin approached Jorg Hysek. Initially introduced as their 222 model in 1977, it made its name and fame under the Overseas moniker. The Vacheron Constantin Overseas offers a large collection of luxury sports watches, in both stainless steel and in precious metals.Overseas Self-Winding 41mmDuring the Watches Wonders show in Shanghai, Vacheron Constantin i [...]

Vacheron Constantin gets a little moonstruck with its latest addition to the limited Collection Excellence Platine with a Patrimony case and platinum dial.As part of the Fratello team, I am subject to many press releases from PR representatives and directly from brands. Often, there is a sense of deja vu. Either I am living in The Matrix, or the new watch is presented with such a minor change that it hardly constitutes a dedicated write-up. Such releases tend to feature in our weekly round-up that is This Week In Watches.Slipping through the cracksThe Watches and Wonders 2020 announcements certainly filled many spaces in that column, but somehow the new Patrimony Retrograde Date with Moon Ph [...]

If the concept of owning a mechanically-groundbreaking watch resonates with you, Vacheron Constantin's new releases will be your thing. The Traditionnelle Tourbillions fit neatly into this storied Swiss brands catalog while evolving the modern idea of ?Haute Horlogerie?for women.2020 has been a good year for womens watches. It started with Bvlgaris Serpenti, released during the LVMH Watch Week in Dubai. That watch was fitted with the world's smallest tourbillon. Following its release, I had high hopes. The mold was breaking. Brands were becoming more experimental. At last, they were taking risks with womens timepieces. I had hoped that this year, we might finally catch a glimpse of what ladi [...]

It was only a few years ago, in 2018, when Vacheron Constantin introduced its Fiftysix collection. The line was not running with a new idea. It was instead a freshly developed interpretation of a vintage Vacheron Constantin watch. The reference 6073 came to the market in 1956, hence the model line name.The inspiration for the case of the 6073 was the shape of the Maltese cross. It also happens to be the logo of Vacheron Constantin as well. The Fiftysix timepieces reinterpret this and many other features of that vintage reference in a retro-contemporary style. For this years edition VC released the Fiftysix with a new sepia brown-toned dial and a matching calfskin leather strap.FiftysixThe co [...]

The Overseas line by Vacheron Constantin is on the move. It is stepping out of the shadows cast by the Royal Oak and Nautilus. Capitalizing on a groundswell of positivity, Vacheron Constantin is bringing us more options to choose from.?Ok, dont tell my wife about the new blue dial Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin. Last year in May, my wife and I attended a Havana Club and Vacheron Constantin party, in Whitehall, London. Sipping Airmail and Dark n Stormy cocktails certainly lowered our inhibitions. Before long, we were inquiring about beautiful Vacheron Constantin Overseas watches that may have (definitely) been beyond our means. Luckily, the helpful staff members were more than happy to provide [...]