Messages: 2611 Location: East Coast, USA
Registered: November 2003
PHOTO REPORT: Exquisite "Collectionneurs" Vintage Watches at the VC NY Boutique >>>
Sun, 17 February 2013 10:42
Dear Friends,
Last week Vacheron's head of marketing e-mailed me with news that the Vacheron New York Boutique received a fresh selection of "Collectionneurs" watches - factory restored and certified vintage watches. As explained in this June 2012 writeup, the NY Boutique is one of only three boutiques around the world to offer vintage watches. The initial selection showcased in the June report sold out quickly, reflecting strong demand for the brand's vintage watches. With the news of a second batch now available, I rushed to the Boutique yesterday to see and photograph them before they sell out.
When I arrived, having received no details on the watches, I was pretty much blown away by the selection. Check out these impressive highlights...
Chronograph, Ref. 4178 in Pink Gold
Made in 1942, this is a beautiful tear-drop-lugged vintage Vacheron chronograph in 18 karat pink gold. This example features a gilt dial with tachymeter scale. When something major is not original in a Collectionneurs timepiece, Vacheron's commendable policy is to disclose the issue to the buyer. Accordingly, the dial on this watch was replaced at some point in the past. Measuring 36 mm in diameter, the 4178 is, in my opinion, among the most beautiful chronograph wristwatches ever created.
Chronograph, Ref. 4178 in Yellow Gold
An all original ref. 4178 in yellow gold, dating to 1952. The silvered dial is calibrated with both a tachymeter and telemeter...
Chronograph, Ref. 4072 in Pink Gold
Another vintage two-register chronograph, this ref. 4072 was made in 1942, and features a spectacular silver dial with tachymeter scale. The 18 karat pink gold case measures 33 mm in diameter.
Chronograph, Ref. 4072 in Pink Gold
A second ref. 4072, this one dates to 1949 with a two-tone silver dial signed by the Milan, Italy-based retailer 'Gobbi' at six o'clock.
Gentleman's Wristwatch, Ref. 4530
A large, spectacular men's watch made in 1950, with an 18 karat yellow gold case measuring 38 mm in diameter. It's fitted with an exquisite champagne-colored, dial with a vertical guilloché pattern. The "Vacheron & Constantin Geneve" logo at 12 o'clock is champlevé enamel a technique where the surface of the dial is engraved, filled with enamel, then fired in an oven.
- Paul Boutros