One other Friday, one other checklist! This week, we’ll begin looking forward to Watches and Wonders. With the world’s greatest watch truthful approaching, it’s time to focus on manufacturers celebrating totally different anniversaries. Certainly one of them is Vacheron Constantin, which is celebrating its 270th anniversary in 2025. As that lengthy historical past is just too intensive to sum up with a handful of watches, we’ve picked our 5 favourite fashionable Vacheron Constantin items. Admittedly, that doesn’t do the model’s latest historical past justice both, however let’s contemplate it a glimpse of a few of the exceptional timepieces launched within the final 20 years.
Earlier than we bounce in, permit me to rapidly qualify this checklist. For those who ask the Fratello writers to give you their favourite fashionable Vacheron watches, it’s going to be a protracted checklist. On prime of that, it’s going to function reissues of a number of of Vacheron’s nice classics, not simply the well-known 222 that resurfaced in the previous couple of years. Moreover, opinions differ tremendously about what the best Vacheron Constantin watches are. I don’t contemplate that a problem however, somewhat, an excellent show of the horology home’s assorted works. In its 270th anniversary 12 months, we anticipate particular issues from VC throughout Watches and Wonders. However earlier than we discover out about this 12 months’s novelties, it’s time to look again at a few of the model’s greatest releases of the final 20 years.
The highest 5 fashionable Vacheron Constantin fashions: Historiques American 1921
Let’s kick this checklist off with a Fratello crew favourite. When Vacheron Constantin determined to carry again its American 100 years after its first launch, the watch acquired heaps of reward. This recreation of a traditional driver’s look ahead to the American market captures the magic of its classic counterparts superbly. Vacheron Constantin had launched a contemporary tackle this traditional earlier than, nevertheless it by no means did it in addition to in 2021. At the moment, the model presents the Historiques American 1921 in a 36.5mm or 40mm white or rose gold case.
Moreover, there was a 100-piece limited-edition Historiques American 1921 Excellence Platine, which Robert-Jan reviewed. Ask him, Lex, or yours actually about that watch, and we’ll instantly crack a smile. The platinum 40mm case housing an attractive textured dial adorned with platinum Breguet numerals was one thing else. All of the totally different variations run on Vacheron Constantin’s hand-wound caliber 4400 AS, which is seen via the case again’s sapphire window. The gorgeous motion carries the Hallmark of Geneva, is barely 2.8mm thick, operates at 28,800vph, and presents 65 hours of energy reserve.
Present and former variants
Whereas the watch is gorgeous to take a look at, the true magic is in sporting it. With its rotated dial, slim case, and delightful presence, any model makes an enduring impression. As talked about, the Historiques American 1921 remains to be a part of Vacheron Constantin’s catalog. Nonetheless, in case you are trying to get one pre-owned, anticipate to see costs for the 2021 40mm pink gold model beginning at roughly €25K. The 40mm white gold mannequin tends to start out at simply lower than €30K. Getting your arms on the much-loved platinum variant is usually a ready recreation due to the low manufacturing quantity. Moreover, anticipate costs far above its preliminary €51K retail worth.
When looking for a pre-owned Historiques American 1921, additionally, you will discover variations launched earlier than 2021. The preliminary American 1921 first debuted in a 40mm dimension on the SIHH truthful in 2009. In 2017, the model added the mid-size 36.5mm model. Each watches are powered by the identical motion as the present fashions. Costs for the sooner ones will be considerably decrease, although. Count on to see them begin slightly below €20K. Whether or not you go along with an older or a more moderen model, the American 1921 is just a implausible watch.
Vacheron Constantin Abroad Perpetual Calendar Extremely-Skinny
One other defining timepiece within the fashionable Vacheron Constantin assortment is the magnificent Abroad Perpetual Calendar Extremely-Skinny. The primary model of this watch debuted with the disclosing of the revamped Abroad assortment in 2016. The white gold mannequin with a grey dial accompanied the equally good Abroad Extremely-thin ref. 2000V powered by the legendary caliber 1120. This duo of watches was an absolute hit through the 2016 SIHH present. In 2018, Vacheron Constantin added a pink gold model on a strap with a silver dial. The 12 months after, that very same model was unveiled with a full-gold bracelet.
In 2020, VC launched the blue-dial model in pink gold, which most watch followers adore. The mixture of the attractive dial coloration and pink gold case and bracelet appears tremendous spectacular. However in the event you choose one thing a bit much less flashy, the white gold model of that very same watch is one other nice choice. It debuted throughout Watches and Wonders 2021 and could be my choose. However, after all, it’s about extra than simply the dial coloration and the fabric. The case of the gold Abroad Perpetual Calendar Extremely-Skinny measures 41.5mm in diameter and a pleasant 8.1mm thick. These dimensions give the watch an attractive profile and make it a pleasure to put on.
Among the finest fashionable perpetual calendars
To energy this ultra-thin model of the Abroad Perpetual Calendar, Vacheron selected its caliber 1120 QPSQ. The motion is viewable via the case again’s sapphire window, and it measures simply 4.05mm thick. This 36-jewel caliber additionally contains a 22K gold rotor, operates at 19,800vph, and presents a 40-hour energy reserve.
From the balanced dial with the calendar parts completely in sync to the slim case and fantastic ending, the Abroad Perpetual Calendar Extremely-Skinny is definitely among the best fashionable Vacheron Constantin fashions. The checklist worth of one of these watches is a whopping CHF 119,000. However in the event you go pre-owned, you could possibly shave off a considerable amount of cash. Asking prices begin at roughly €75K and transfer as much as the checklist worth. What that sum will get you is without doubt one of the greatest fashionable perpetual calendar watches at the moment out there.
Picture: Woohoo Time
Vacheron Constantin 1972 Status
Our subsequent choose is a watch with a narrative. First off, it matches the latest pattern of formed watches completely. The one factor is that Vacheron Constantin launched this 1972 Status in 2013 as a reissue of an unique watch from 1972. That was the 12 months that France awarded the corporate with the Diplôme Status de la France, recognizing Vacheron Constantin’s distinctive talent, dedication to authenticity, technical excellence, and class. To have a good time that, the model launched the ref. 15207 “Status de la France” with a commemorative coat of arms engraved on the case again.
Picture: Woohoo Time
This led to a full line of seven fashions named the 1972 assortment. What they’d in frequent was an ultra-thin, curved, asymmetrical case designed by making use of the arithmetic of the golden ratio. In the course of the Seventies, the model launched a number of nice variations of the unique watch. Moreover, over time we’ve seen the 1972 assortment change with much less exceptional fashions.
Picture: Woohoo Time
An important up to date reissue
In 2013, Vacheron Constantin created a contemporary reissue of the primary ref. 15207 named the 1972 Status (ref. 33172). The event was the opening of the model’s boutique in Paris. For this celebratory occasion, VC created two variations in white gold. The asymmetrical circumstances of the 2 watches each measured 25mm huge, 47mm lengthy, and simply 8.62mm thick. As I already alluded to, the case was designed by utilizing the well-known golden ratio of 1.618. For those who take the dimension of the longest aspect of the case and divide it by the size of the sapphire crystal on the alternative aspect, you’re going to get the magical 1.618 as the result.
Picture: Woohoo Time
With its up to date dimensions, the 1972 Status was not a girls’ watch, not like its classic counterparts. Vacheron Constantin launched two variations. The primary was a particular 40-piece restricted version that mixed the white gold case with a shiny silver dial that includes a chevron motif, white gold arms, and a black leather-based strap. The second and limitless mannequin featured a grey satin sunburst dial with a chevron motif, contrasted by 18K pink gold dauphine arms. This watch got here with a brown leather-based strap, making it a bit hotter than the restricted version.
Picture: Woohoo Time
The ultra-thin caliber 1003
Contained in the case, Vacheron geared up the watches with its legendary ultra-thin caliber 1003. For many years, this was the thinnest manual-winding motion on the earth, at simply 1.64mm thick. Following three years of improvement, it debuted in 1955 to have a good time Vacheron’s two hundredth anniversary. It provides the right horological story to this fashionable reissue of a Vacheron Constantin traditional.
As with the unique Seventies mannequin, the motion hides behind the curved case again that options the identical coats of arms. Discovering one of many 1972 Status fashions from 2013 is usually a problem. You gained’t see them fairly often, however while you do, anticipate to see costs beginning at roughly €20K. As talked about, although, as a result of they’re uncommon, costs will fluctuate for this cool timepiece that was launched method forward of its time.
Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes De Vache 1955
Vacheron Constantin has lengthy been generally known as a model that launched many lug types. Some of the outspoken and legendary is the Cornes de Vache lugs. These cow-horn-style lugs have change into fan favorites and graced the case of one of many model’s most well-known historic chronographs. Ref. 6087 debuted in 1955, and Vacheron solely produced 36 items of it, which makes it extremely fascinating for collectors. The Historiques Cornes De Vache 1955 is the trendy reissue of that traditional, and it made its debut in 2015.
The watch featured an up to date 38.5mm platinum case with the attribute lugs. Vacheron Constantin additionally selected one of many best-looking two-register dials that graced the totally different classic variations of the ref. 6087. Contained in the case, the model geared up the reissue with its caliber 1142. This chronograph motion relies on the previous Nouvelle-Lemania ébauche caliber 2310.
In addition to redecorating the motion, Vacheron Constantin additionally modified it to go well with fashionable requirements. The model’s watchmakers up to date the operation frequency from 18,000vph to 21,600vph and added a free-sprung stability. On prime of that, they fully redesigned the chronograph mechanism with adjusted shapes for the levers. Moreover, the column wheel proudly options the model’s Maltese cross and presents 48 hours of energy reserve. Lastly, the ending is top-notch, leading to a shocking chronograph caliber.
Two extra variations
In 2016, the model added a pink gold variant to the lineup. Lastly, in 2019, Vacheron Constantin launched one in chrome steel, a lot to the followers’ delight. At the moment, the model solely presents the pink gold and stainless steel versions. However in the event you go pre-owned, it is possible for you to to search out all three, after all.
The exceptional factor is that the chrome steel model is just not rather more inexpensive than the pink gold model on the pre-owned market. Count on to see costs beginning at roughly €27K–28K, whereas costs for the pink gold model begin round €30K. In all honesty, that will direct me towards the gorgeous gold model of this reissue of the legendary traditional.
Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222
Can we create an inventory of the highest Vacheron Constantin watches with out placing the 222 on it? Nope! You most likely all know the story of this Vacheron Constantin traditional. First launched in 1977 because the model’s reply to the Royal Oak and the Nautilus, the Jorg Hysek-designed 222 completely match the invoice of the trendy sports activities watch with an built-in bracelet. Over time, the design turned an business traditional, nevertheless it wasn’t a part of the model’s assortment for that lengthy. Because of this, the 222 was produced in low numbers, and collectors are prepared to pay huge costs for a classic model.
In April 2022, Vacheron Constantin answered the various pleas for a return of the 222 with a full-gold mannequin. The brand new Historiques 222 was met with huge reward and was most likely probably the most talked-about watch of Watches and Wonders that 12 months. Moreover, it was featured in lots of year-end lists, together with mine, as the favourite launch of 2022. However with that newly revived gold 222 additionally got here the want for the return of a chrome steel model.
The chrome steel model proudly returned in 2025
Quick-forward to this January when Vacheron Constantin began its 270th anniversary with a bang. The brand new chrome steel mannequin confirmed the brilliance of Hysek’s design in a extra subdued and humble method in comparison with the gold mannequin. It instantly turned considered one of my favourite latest releases, and it’ll most likely be on the prime of my checklist on the finish of the 12 months. The brand new model completely confirmed what makes Hysek’s design so nice, from the smaller, nearly modest 37mm case with its signature bezel to the easy however distinguished blue dial and the good bracelet. Add the gold Maltese cross as a small however apparent callback to the model’s roots, and you’ll find yourself with an excellent reissue of that ’70s traditional.
As most of , Vacheron equips the trendy 222 with its in-house caliber 2455/2. The model selected this barely thicker (however nonetheless very skinny) motion over the traditional caliber 1121 that powered the unique watches. The principle motive is that the trendy motion ups the beat price to twenty-eight,800vph, making it extra correct. On prime of that, the 2455/2 contains a quick-set date mechanism for added practicality. Whereas the motion is perhaps a fraction thicker, it provides sensible advantages with out compromising the idea or appears.
Greater than a reissue of a traditional
What we find yourself with is a superb fashionable model of the traditional Vacheron Constantin 222. However to me, it’s extra than simply that. The watch additionally represents the fashion and sophistication that I affiliate with the model. It’s this refined feeling of confident modesty offered with an abundance of fashion and sophistication. It’s an announcement that I completely take pleasure in and relate to, and it makes the Historiques 222 the right final choose for our checklist of the highest 5 fashionable Vacheron Constantin watches.
Last ideas on the highest 5 fashionable Vacheron Constantin fashions
For those who paid consideration, you should have observed that 4 of our 5 picks are reissues of Vacheron Constantin classics. That makes it appear as if the model doesn’t have any nice newer designs in its assortment. That’s definitely not true. Good examples of some we love are the Overseas Dual-Time “Everest” and the Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Chronograph. We might have added these to the checklist as effectively. Nonetheless, what this checklist of 5 watches completely reveals is the good historic depth and wonderful variation in design and elegance that Vacheron Constantin presents. Add the good watchmaking custom, immaculate ending, and eye for element, and also you’ll perceive why Vacheron Constantin is without doubt one of the main luxurious watch manufacturers. We’re definitely trying ahead to seeing what has been up its sleeve at Watches and Wonders in April!
What do you consider this checklist? Do you agree with our picks, or would you’ve got chosen different watches? As at all times, please share your ideas within the feedback beneath.
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