Vacheron Constantin

Vacheron Constantin and Breguet are two of the most prestigious watch manufacturers operating today. Both houses are at the pinnacle of Swiss haute horlogerie, with each having a rich history filled with important technical innovations and iconic designs,...  

They both manage to express an obvious classicism according to their own DNA. Brilliant. I totaly agree on what you said about short / long term choice, too. A good thing VC opted for a solid case back, indeed, as it is a pity to see such a nicely finishe... 

When are you finally going to get a Mercator? Bill

the VC is evergreen, and the breguet would probably look dated in 5-10 years. and i always feel bregeut needs some complications....at least sile power reserve like the 5207 or with moonphase like the 3137. i went to check out the ultra thin 1955 today. i... 

I was initially cool to the 81180 when it first came out back in 2004, thinking it to be outlandishly large! I had been condition to think that the perfect dress watch was 36-38. Now I think it is perfect! Bill

but I generally don't like Breguet's aesthetics. I don't like Breguet hands and the dial doesn't speak to me at all. just my 2, purely personal, cents. BR, Dan

you are in good company. Bill

Pairing VC and Breguet is a natural IMHO. While touring the museums and salons in Geneva during SIHH, I was a bit surprised at the universal respect for A-L Breguet, which seemed to surmount any corporate barriers. Interesting that your post would arise n... 

when it is ready. These watches are so distinctly VC and I never tire of seeing them. Bill

nt

I have a clear preference for the Patrimony..... Besides I used to own one, so I am biased.... However, the large case end up being too much for my wrist... I wish that it would have been a 37mm case... it would still be with me... And the Winder is magic... 

I like that the Contemporaine has the 40 mm size and the Traditionnelle has the 38 mm size covered. Two great watches at two popular sizes. Bill

Bill, Thanks for a fair and reasonable critique of both Breguet and Vacheron Constantin watches. I agree that the best 'corporate decisions' are the Breguet engined dial and the VC solid caseback. The former for its beauty and the latter to hide the embar... 

there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. Before this review I was unaware of the curvature of the dial, which the small diameter caliber allows. Now that I know about it I am totally seduced by it. It's an effect that I'll try to capture in photographs ... 

thanks

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Hello, Thank you so much for the fantastic pics and details. I really like reading your decision process for the pieces... however I believe the Vacheron is the nicer of the 2. Interestingly my Patek Calatrava Grande Taille is only 37mm!...  

and for so many different tastes. I just happen to have a strong preference for VC! (Which I expect to add to my collection soon) Bill

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these two watches! I have seen a few Breguets recently, and though I haven't been drawn to one yet, they are quite stunning timepieces. At the end of the day, the understated elegance of the VC wins for me since I prefe... 

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I would love to have either of these watches, although if I had to choose I would go with the Breguet. Both watches show that with excellent design and top notch finishing an hour and minute hand is all that is needed. Thanks for the report. Stewart

thank you for your comments. Bill

Great review on two lovely pieces.

nt

Would VC consider bringing teardrop lugs to the currently Patrimony line? That would be a killer. Regards, Richard.

case styles. If they bring back the tear drop lugs I would expect to see it in a Historiques series watch. That would be a great watch! Bill

that would be superb!

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Please, oh please let's see this happen. Regards, Richard.

are a pleasure to read and to look at. Thanks, Bill! Both watches are nice and have interesting movements - both are very different. At the end of the day the VC 81180 would be my favorite, even with the tiny (but gorgeous) caliber 1400. If only my wrist ... 

I suggest you try it on again. Your taste might have changed since the last time you wore it. This phenomenon has happened to me. Bill

but it was just a few weeks ago :-( Will try it again ... Oliver

So thanks for a great article and for educating me on this point. I agree with Olivers comments on the how nice the VC dial is - it's simple but oozes quality. What is the grey dial on the platinum version made from and also the black dials on the boutiqu... 

is a ruthenium finish on a white gold base. Stunning watch (short article coming soon!)!! I believe the black dial is a galvanized finish on a gold base. Bill...  

but there is/was another one with a platinum dial. Yummy, yummy

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