Vacheron Constantin - Interesting post, Bill

Interesting post, Bill

Mar 01, 2015,08:36 AM

Thank you for relaying M. Selmoni's comments on the art of the hands. This only one of the details of a watch that VC more often than gets just right, IMHO.

Seeing the 82172 and the 43075 side by side illustrates several things very well. The difference in the hour hands' lengths relative to the dials and minutes hands, as per the point of your post is clear, but for me both dials work very well. The size of the dial, the inclusion or exclusion of a seconds subdial both make a difference. It is also interesting to see that a few millimeters in case size also make a difference, perhaps also the metal color, because the 43075 does appear significantly larger to me in that photo. I am so glad that the extremely talented and gifted designers at VC do this fine work for us. How many of us could even get the seemingly minor detail of the length of the hour hand right? And how often do we notice that other watchmakers do not get this detail perfect?

Did you realize when drafting this post that you were highlighting some of the finest examples of VC's modern time-only pieces? It is so nice to see so many here in one place and to observe the great variety across style, size, shape, and design. I think we are missing a at least a couple of other examples here.

The American 1921, in spite of being a form watch if a cushion case counts, by having a round dial does not present the issue with the hour hand.

The form case and dial of the 1972 will drive 4Js nuts when trying to set the time. Not even a minutes track to assist. ;-)

I wish I had a photo of the 1968 to post (amazing that I don't considering how long I have lusted after that one).

Now, having all of these time-only watches lined up, it surprises me that I find the 1955, still, the most exquisite if not the most interesting in terms of shape.

Best,

respo

This message has been edited by respo on 2015-03-01 08:37:30

Comments: view entire thread

Vacheron Constantin's Christian Selmoni on Watch Hands

By: WHL : February 28th, 2015-19:03

Back in November Purist participant Tiggermelad had a question about the length of the hour hand in two models from the Traditionnelle family. He noticed that with some Traditinonelle models, like the manual winding reference 82172, the hour hand is short...

Well Bill, it is a problem I face as well...

By: 4Js : March 1st, 2015-04:41

But it has not stopped me from getting a host of form watches! The anal side of me means I have to set the time on the 15/45's or close to it. Then, I am certain to hit the exact alignment. Mr. Selmoni's rules apply perfectly at those times! I must be one...

Interesting post, Bill

By: respo : March 1st, 2015-08:36

Thank you for relaying M. Selmoni's comments on the art of the hands. This only one of the details of a watch that VC more often than gets just right, IMHO. Seeing the 82172 and the 43075 side by side illustrates several things very well. The difference i...

Respo, as you know I have a big hard drive!

By: 4Js : March 1st, 2015-10:54

Peter took such a fab photo. I like to keep it very handy Joe ...

Yes, Joe!!!

By: respo : March 2nd, 2015-05:21

That is a great photo of one of my favorite pairs in all of Watchdom. For some reason, I tend to think of VCs in pairs even within my own collection. I should do a post on that theme one of these days. One of my little dreams is to own both the 1955 and t...

Such wonderful eye candy

By: Tick Talk : March 2nd, 2015-09:26

Robert, that 1972 dial pattern is absolutely mesmerizing. Lovely watches in this thread, a real treat to view. So here is a comparison of a couple of vintage form watches, ref. 4108 and 4166 from the 50s. Seems the length of the hour hands were designed/c...

Awesome post

By: jtodd : March 2nd, 2015-21:22

Thanks for sharing Mr Selmoni's words. Very interesting. You also sparked the forum to to post some lovely photos. One of the things I love is looking at the overall proportions and designs of numerous pieces - especially over time. It is remarkable that ...

Thank you for that.

By: Tiggermelad : March 18th, 2015-03:37

I had quite forgotten that post! I take it as given that the minute hand should reach the minute markers, and note Mr Selmoni's comment about the hour hand almost reaching the hour marker which to me certainly helps to make a watch look "right". (Rolex pl...