I have drunk

Jun 05, 2012,18:19 PM
 

.. .the free-sprung red cordial, hence I would prefer watches not to have index regulation.  It's probably not that big of a deal, but there you have it!

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The Thin Man - Initial Review of Les Historiques Ultra-fine 1955

 
 By: respo : June 4th, 2012-21:04
Recently I welcomed a new Vacheron into the family. This was NOT the next VC I was expecting to get, but the Historiques Ultra-fine 1955 surprised me when I first strapped it on. I was expecting to get a Patrimony Contemporaine first, or the Historiques U...  

First impression ...

 
 By: small-luxury-world : June 4th, 2012-22:45
this is a great post. Will come back for sure, when I have more time. Thanks! Oliver

Sigh

 
 By: RJW : June 5th, 2012-03:28
Now I want one. Or at least one of the historiques collection. Thanks for the review respo. Regards, Richard.

Me too...

 
 By: Wees : June 5th, 2012-09:44
... the only thing that I would change is the movement regulation, but imo there is no better example of a dress watch (in its strict sense) in the market today.

I agree with you...

 
 By: respo : June 5th, 2012-12:51
...about the 1955 as a superlative dress watch. I would be interested in hearing more on what you you would change regarding the the movement regulation, if you care to add more. Thank you for looking. Best, respo

I have drunk

 
 By: Wees : June 5th, 2012-18:19
.. .the free-sprung red cordial, hence I would prefer watches not to have index regulation. It's probably not that big of a deal, but there you have it!

I hope you get one, Richard

 
 By: respo : June 5th, 2012-12:49
Thanks for looking. I admire many if not most of the Historiques watches, too. It is a way of getting that vintage feel while also having the advantages of modern advances such as water resistance. Best, respo

Excellent review respo!

 
 By: walidk : June 5th, 2012-04:28
I particularly like the combo with the shoes -another 'problem' of mine, although I cannot help but think the stitching looks like a JL Saint Crepin. You my good man have exquisite taste! If only they made the 1955 in a white metal; then I can share a sim... 

Excellent eye, Walid!

 
 By: respo : June 5th, 2012-08:31
Yes, Vacheron Constantin is not my only problem. Do you also have the JL 2011s? We need a thread on shoes -- I don't think there has been one in a while, and there are a few here who could participate actively. ;-) I was expecting to get a white metal VC ... 

Yup!

 
 By: walidk : June 5th, 2012-08:54
I don't usually go for the JL yearly editions, but the Saint Crepin (JL 2011's edition) was a stunner that I got as soon I saw and realised it was in a 8000 last. The stitching on the sides is simply to die for; but admittedly not for everyone (ps mine ar... 

Great write-up, Robert!

 
 By: radekw : June 5th, 2012-05:43
you sheer passion towards the new piece is soooo transparent... now you're going on yet another honeymoon. I envy you but relay my sincere congratulations, again! may the watch tick away happy times only!

Thank you, Radek

 
 By: respo : June 5th, 2012-12:57
As always for your kind words and for your freindship. Best always, respo

Thanks for a great review

 
 By: Tick Talk : June 5th, 2012-07:21
But you were a devil to leave a picture of the back until almost the end ;-) VC did a masterful job of presenting their in-house 1003/3 caliber in this iconic case design sized for modern tastes. They still have much room for modifications in subsequent e... 

Thanks, Dean!

 
 By: respo : June 5th, 2012-08:39
Coming from you, that means a lot to me. The truth is I am embarrassed to post my photos after seeing so many of the amazing photos posted here, especially when it comes to the movement scans. Bill actually posted a much better photo of the backside fo th... 

In the best tradition of V&C

 
 By: Tick Talk : June 6th, 2012-07:40
VC, having reawakened both the case design and the movement calibre, should stick with this theme and follow the past practice of introducing small deviations between small production runs. Dial design and case metals were typically tweaked to keep intere... 

Your perspective is very much appreciated, Dean

 
 By: respo : June 6th, 2012-07:54
I would love to see the ref. 6694 re-appear in Les Historiques. I had not thought of this, but the tweaks in case, dial, metals and even movements between production runs has made for a rich tradition at VC/V&C. I am thinking of the Historiques Chrono... 

Outstanding review....

 
 By: WHL : June 5th, 2012-08:25
I'm going to install it in the blog for quick reference and rereading. I agree about the winding feel on the caliber 1003. I place it a close second only to the 1400 in terms of feel. I too, love the travel case. Congrats on your newest addition, respo, a... 

I will have to try winding your EPPC next time I see you

 
 By: respo : June 5th, 2012-08:44
I am not sure I recall how winding the 1400 feels. Thanks for the kind words about the review. And thanks again for making the review possible. ;-) Best, respo

What a great post

 
 By: cisco : June 5th, 2012-11:51
On photos I thought I would prefer a Patrimony maybe or an American or a 1968. In real this is the one I would choose, comfort for my wrist, understatement. I already write it, but at first, one meter away, nothing, on the wrist and detailing it, what a w... 

You echo my thoughts exactly, Francois

 
 By: respo : June 5th, 2012-12:56
Thank you for your comments. I am glad (and very fortunate, I know) that I did not have to make a choice between the 1955 and the 1921 -- that would have been impossible! And you are right, from a distance one might overlook the 1955. But on closer inspec... 

Thanks for this excellent review, Respo.

 
 By: amanico : June 5th, 2012-14:50
I must say that you got a very nice watch, my friend, with a great movement. The only flaw I find on this watch is that with a 36 mm case, the movement look more lost than in a 34 mm case. Otherwise, a superb time keeper. Very elegant. One of the best in ... 

Thanks, Nicolas

 
 By: respo : June 5th, 2012-15:42
Thanks for your kind words, my friend. I appreciate your reading my amateur review. I don't find any problem with the relation of the movement size to the case here. In fact, it did not even occur to me that there was any such issue in this instance as it...  

Be sure that I am always thinking, too. :)

 
 By: amanico : June 5th, 2012-22:55
Yes, you're right, sometimes, we ask too much to our beloved brands. I agree with you that thsi movement is superb, and is a strong point of the watch. And certainly, the wearability of a watch is an important factor. If the watch looks lost on your wrist... 

Fabulous post, Respo!

 
 By: Gary G : June 5th, 2012-19:07
I can certainly understand why you love this watch. Thank you very much for the personal wearing impressions -- I now understand this watch and its appeal much better. All the best, Gary G

Thanks, Gary!

 
 By: respo : June 6th, 2012-05:37
If I have conveyed why I have fallen for this watch, then I am glad. I appreciate your kind words very much. Best, respo

Very interesting post.

 
 By: docsnov : June 5th, 2012-21:42
After reading I understand how much more there is to this simple appearing watch. It is hard to believe how thin the movement is. Vacheron makes the most attractive dress watches in my opinion (compared to Calatrava, Jules Audemars, Classique, etc.) with ... 

Sometimes simple is best

 
 By: respo : June 6th, 2012-05:41
Thanks for looking, Stewart. I agree about VC's strength in creating gorgeous simple, fine watches. In fact, I couldn't agree more. When I look at the movement, I am still surprised at how thin it is. Thanks for your comments. Best, respo

Thanks a lot for the great review Respo.

 
 By: foversta : June 11th, 2012-13:38
A superb and elegant watch. I was very seduced by this one and the 1968. Fx ...  

Thanks, Fx

 
 By: respo : June 11th, 2012-14:53
I am seduced by both models as well. The 1955 looks great on your wrist. How can you resist? I obviously could not. Best, respo

What a gorgeous timepiece. Simple pure beauty.

 
 By: bar2020 : June 12th, 2012-09:50
And an excellent review. This is quite helpful for people like me who are learning about this great company. Thank you

Thank you for reading the review.

 
 By: respo : June 12th, 2012-10:32
i am very glad it is useful. This forum and site have been so helpful to me. Best, respo