Vacheron Constantin

WHL
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Vacheron Constantin: His and Hers

Every now and then I get around to putting a couple of Vacheron Constantin watches side-by-side, often to highlight some “his and hers” possibilities for collectors who might like to share their passion for fine watches with their better spouses. Mrs. WHL and I once had a pair that consisted of ultra thin manual winding calibre 1003 movements, though separated by a number of years in dates of production:

The calibre 1003 is fast approaching 60 years of service for Vacheron Constantin:

And the profile of the 33093 reference in particular is beautiful:

While we have each parted with those particular models, there is always a chance we’ll get another pair of Vacheron Constantin watches together.

Like with the watches above, many current production timepieces from Vacheron Constantin continue to employ the calibre 1003, such as with the skeleton Patrimony Tradtionnelle for her, along with the larger self-winding calibre 1120 in the gentleman’s watch:

The decorative finishing on the bridges is a well regarded specialty of Vacheron Constantin.

Back in the realm of the affordable, relatively speaking, and still within the Traditionnelle family, are the 38 mm manual winding 82172 with calibre 4400, and the 33 mm manual winding reference 81590 with calibre 1400:

The lady’s model features 54 diamond set on the bezel, with a .88 total carat weight.

The finishing on the movements is a delight for the eyes:

Having owned a Patrimony Contemporaine and thinking it the nicest modern dress watch I have owned, it’s nice for me to get the his and hers side by side for the first time that I can remember:

The 40 mm references 81180 needs no introduction. The 36 mm reference 81530 shares the same calibre 1400 as the larger Contemporaine:

The sapphire case back works for this model, where it would not for the 40 mm model as the movement is only 20 mm in diameter.

The front view is elegant simplicity, but it is the ring of diamonds around the side of the case that makes the 81530 special:

There are 62 brilliant cut diamonds with a total weight of .39 carat, and it is nice to see that they continue between the lugs as well:

This is a very discreet display of luxury.  

The rolled edge of the alligator strap enhances the femininity of the watch compared with the stitched edges on the straps of the 40 mm model.

It is rare to find in the wild a pair of his and hers of similar design in the high-luxury segment of the watch market, and would love to know if you have ever witnessed, or even own, such a pair from Vacheron Constantin. 

Bill

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