The Entry Level Watches of Vacheron Constantin
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ม.ค. 2020
- A couple of years ago Vacheron Constantin rolled out a new group of watches called “FiftySix” with entry level watch prices not available for Vacheron Constantin heretofore. But, as they say in relationships … it’s complicated… but interesting and provided an even more affordable opportunity.
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thanks for the review and I agree with your points. I did some research before purchasing the FiftySix Day-Date and it is indeed pretty good value in comparison. Ironically now I have it, I actually don't mind adding the Date only in blue dial to the collection.
Hey Kelvin, thanks for the info on the FiftySix Day-Date. To me, it's a very cool watch. Congratulations, Bill
I love the look of the Quai de L'ille. I hate they discontinued it as I think it was the best value VC. Another great video.
Yes, there will be some on the unsold and used market, but with the FiftySix, I think that VC wanted to clear the deck of watches that were not selling well on the lower end. Some view the Quai de L'ille as a 'poor man's Overseas,' but in looking at both, I'd rather have the Quai de L'ille. Take care, Bill
Great video Bill. I never knew the 56 Day Date had a Geneva seal movement! I really like that Quai de I'lle, what a cool watch! Maybe one day!
Yes, Bruce, by putting in that ValFleurier movement in one of the FiftySix watches, it sort of pulled down the whole line, and not only does the Day-Date house a fully VC movement, the price is pretty decent too (for that price neighborhood). But like you, I'd get a Quai de I'lle. After a month with the Lang Dresden ... what are your final thoughts? Cheers, Bill
I’m enjoying my last day with it today as I ship it out to Richard tomorrow. What a beautiful watch and what joy it is to wind and watch the movement. It fits my wrist perfectly and is a terrific office watch. I’ll be sad to see it go. Thanks Bill for the opportunity to wear a hand made watch.
I really like the VC's Quai De I'lle. It is one of the most unique VC watches.
I do too, Tippy. When I tried it on, the Quai de l'Ile looked a lot better than the Overseas (#3). Maybe... who knows? Cheers, Bill
dont know if anyone cares but if you guys are bored like me atm then you can stream pretty much all of the new movies and series on InstaFlixxer. Been streaming with my girlfriend for the last couple of weeks :)
@Karsyn Kylo yea, have been watching on instaflixxer for months myself =)
That is why I LOVE this channel. Bill you are the MAN! I can't believe I bought a lot of ETAs when I was younger. [Thank god I got great deals on them] Question...what do you think about the IWC Perpetual Calendar vs JLC Master Ultra Thin Calendar. It looks like the same watch to me. Please do a video about that.
Hi Blake, I have a hard time trusting IWC since they are not forthcoming about the base movements in some of their watches. However, the JLC Master Ultra Thin Calendar is very nice; but here's the one I like most in that price neighborhood-a GPHG winner too!: www.vacheron-constantin.com/en2/watches/historiques/historiques-triple-calendrier-1942-3110v-000a-b426.html Cheers, Bill
Thanks for the research and education. You know the community ❤️ you, right? Given this weekend is a massive futball weekend maybe you want to review hublot !
Thanks man! Well Neo, I don't know Hublot well enough to review them, but I do have an interesting little collection for everyone for Sunday...before the GAME of course. Cheers, Bill
You put an another nail in my mind with these movements
I hope that's a good thing Alex! Take care and be safe, Bill😷
Not really because I saw cartier with 1904 at 5000 euro. I don't like the brand pretty much. Other hands I don't have vc yet. I like that Quai de I'lle
When I watch the Watchfinder channel with their superlative macro shots I've noticed that the only brand where every watch is flawless is VC. Some midrange watches look like their dials and hands were painted by kindergarten kids at that magnification and other haute horology brands need to improve their final quality inspections. Neither the 56, Quai d'Lille nor Overseas are my sort of thing but I'm hoping one day I'll find a style that suits because I'm deeply impressed by the quality.
Before retiring, Jeremy, I used to wear my Overseas 1 everyday. The only complaint I had was the clasp on the first version, but I got used to occasionally clipping it closed... sort of like straightening one's tie. It was unobtrusive but always nice to wear and reliable. It had its own kind of confidence. However, were I to replace it, I'd get a Quai d'Lille. Cheers, Bill
The Harmony Complete Calendar comes closest but if I had $56K I think there are other options that would come first.
Thank you , you always have very informative and honest reviews.
Thanks Sudi! The pleasure is all mine! Take care, Bill
Man, I just purchased the Petrol Dial FiftySix Self-winding on the bracelet. You just made me realize I paid waaaaay too much for it.
Ant, you got a beautiful watch that, and if you enjoy it, you did not pay too much! Kindest regards, Bill
The day date is now listed at $27,000. It appears they need to adjust the value proposition for the day date and the self winding
Yes, Steve. The prices really soared. Take care, Bill
That VC Quai de I’lle in white or black is really nice. The lines and angles of the case have an Art Deco look and that dial is very interesting. I hope you haven't started me down the path on this one Bill 😉
Jonnie, take a friend with a strong will and go visit one in the VC shop in Bangkok. If you're tempted, have your friend drag you out. Cheers, Bill
I normally don’t prefer white dials over black but on this watch the white is a front runner in my opinion - same goes with the Explorer II
Mine too, Neo. It has a lot of detail in the hand date that is easier to see with a white dial-over a black or blue one. Cheers, Bill
Nice overview Bill! Do you think the FiftySix self winding is equivalent to the JLC Sector date or a bit higher in quality?
Hi Ant G. The plain vanilla FiftySix models with the ValFleurier movement ... that's a tough call. The FiftySix Day/Date with the VC movements and Geneva Seal are a much better watch. However, I've always liked the JLC Master with the Sector dial. Bill
The fifty six day date is a nice catch, interesting price point for entry level VC. Not sure about the case finishing though. kind of flat and all polished steel for me is good for a Baume & Mercier or Longines but not for VC. I kind of expected a bit more depth and detail. All polished gold is something else though.. after is just my taste so entirely subjective. But nice video Bill, thanks
Thanks, Andres for your thoughts. I like gold watches, especially yellow or red, but I've gravitated more toward stainless steel with excellence in the movement rather than the case. I have white gold, platinum and steel-cased watches, and I can't tell the difference except for the fact that gold and platinum tend to have more heft....that I like. However, I'd have no problem with a nice steel FiftySix Day-Date. Like you say, tastes are very subjective-and mine often change!! Cheers, Bill
WatchArtSci thanks Bill, I was referring to the finishing on the case rather than the material. I do like steel but prefer brushed steel significantly better than an all polished steel case. And if it combines both finishings even better (for me LOL) 😁
Quai de l'lle with sliver dial simply gorgeous gentleman's watch. For me VC over AP and most of Patek
I'm the same about the Quai d'Lille, Ed; my favorite "fancy sports" watch-it would be an ideal office watch in a lot of different offices. Not a show off watch, but a nice watch that those who appreciate watches would get. Cheers, Bill
After your last two videos I am now looking at every movement to determine if it employs a free sprung balance. All of the "entry level" Vacheron Constantin appear to have curb regulators. Oh George Daniels, what have you done to me?
Hi Blaine, I felt the same way. Then I found that all Rolexes do have the free sprung movements. There're a core of movements that Rolex uses ("perpetual movements"), all of which have free sprung balances. Well the curb regulators are easier to adjust! Cheers, Bill
Great video Bill,
I managed to find one for about 8k in the pre-owned market. My question is, does the price justify with it’s recent release? Or should I wait and see how it unfolds through time. My concern is the lack of the Geneva seal at this price. I would love to hear your two cents, or any other recommendations.
-Cheers
You can get a lot for 8k these days. The FiftySix models with the Geneva Seals would be my choice or for 8k, see what you can in secondary markets for Quail d'Ille ... what I still see as the best buy for a VC. For that price you may find a new H. Moser et Cie ... in gold. www.chrono24.com/hmosercie/endeavour-mayu-321503-mens-yellow-gold-39mm--id14482880.htm There's no rush right now to buy, and I think you'll find some great deals.Cheers, Bill
I appreciate your take.
-Cheers
So apparently it was not a movement developed by Cartier but used by Cartier. Also you will never buy a tank quartz Cartier at 10k as you can have a Seiko or Casio one for 10 euros. So does it really matter ?
No Sebastien, it was developed by Cartier; just not by Carole Forestier-Kasapi at Cartier. Take care, Bill
We can't ignore the attractive petrol blue that the base 56 came in. It was an attractive watch, but maybe it was a bluff, to wear a discerning brand, when those who recognise the brand would also discern the model.
Yes, Richard, that's the irony. The FiftySix Self-Winding and FiftySix Day-Date likely will be classified as "that VC with the ValFleurier movement" even though the are really as different as night and day. Getting one of those discontinued Calibre de Cartiers with the calibre 1904 movement may well be a watch that would be fun to have... Cheers, Bill
Bill, great video as usual. Have you seen the VC Historiques triple calendar? It's got a very art deco vibe to it, and I have to say, really looks great. I don't know if it meets your criteria for entry level, but you can get one in near perfect condition in the $12,500-$17,500 ballpark, which is around what some of your selections here are going for (new). I like the triple calendar function, even though you need to manually adjust the calendar for non-31 day months.
Yes Publius, I have seen the Triple Calendar. Love that watch! I sort of prefer the red date numbers ... but I'm not certain since I like the one with the blue numbers and blue strap. Been tempted by that one for a while now. Being the vulture until I find one that's dropped... Cheers, Bill
@@watchartsci They both look great. I feel like blue numbers would be just a little more under-the-radar, which I like.
The FiftySix series I have the complete calender. Geneva Seal! Great watch. Got a great price on it too. Can you review this watch. It’s similar to their higher end watches. You should review this one too.
They also have the date date which you mentioned. A Geneva seal watch. You did a great job on this. Nice video mate.
Hey Tim, thanks man! Cheers, Bill
Hi Tim, how much does the watch cost you ? the complete calendar.
I am not at all into VC but I would prefer the Quai de I’lle over the 56 anyday. You talked about the Quai some weeks ago, I didn’t know it before that but boy what a gorgeous looking dial and movement that has
Erik, it's one of those overlooked gems. The fact that the plain steel versions are virtually unobtainable on the pre-owned market, indicates that they are keepers for their owners! Cheers, Bill
Hi bill , i just discovered your channel and it s amazing
I wanted to take ur opinion in a watch a friend of mine is selling,
Omega seamaster 1979 cal 1020 with blue dial
He is asking 250$... is it worth it or not ? Thanks
Hi Silver and welcome to the channel. It's getting to the point where anything from the last century is "vintage," and 1979 is certainly vintage. A watch from that era may be in perfect shape or it may show the wear of the last 41 years to the point it's barely working. So determining the value is wholly up to the condition of the watch. The best place to get a good idea of the watch's value would be to go to an Omega forum and ask them. I'd be interested in what you decide! So let us know if you get it and what you think of it! Cheers, Bill
@watchartsci is the fifty six day date a good value in 2023? Do you think it will hold value?
Hello Gurasis-since I judge a watch on its horological quality and not its popularity with its re-sale price, I cannot give you a good answer. Right now, what does the watch have in horological value? First, it's by Vacheron Constantin; second it has the Geneva Seal, third, it's well-made to VC standards. In addition, Vacheron Constantin has won more Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève awards than most other brands. Those 'values' will not change. Will you be able to sell it for the same or more than you paid for it? It's impossible to tell with certainty. My hunch is the price will go down a little as is true with most pre-owned watches. However, when I sold my Vacheron Constantin 1972, I received more than double what I paid for it. In general, get a watch that has high real value to you; not re-sale price. If you want a watch with high resale-price and standard horology; get a Rolex. If you would like a new VC, I would suggest the Triple Calendar-a little less, but an impressive watch (www.vacheron-constantin.com/us/en/collections/historiques/3110v-000a-b426.html) I would also consider a pre-owned Historiques American 1921- in gold. www.chrono24.com/vacheronconstantin/vacheron-constantin-historiques-american-1921--82035--id26614464.htm. Take care, Bill
Great video Bill, I don't know why but I don't like VC so much, not feeling any connection to the brand and their recent watches evoke no emotion from me.
I really like their vintage Patrimony line with those unique amazing dials with different colors, my favorite are made in the 60s and 70s.
Hi Abdul, VCs are funny; I like them ... mostly. The story behind the caliber 5100 is very interesting, and Kari Voutilainen's review of the Historiques American 1921's cal. 4400 movement is complimentary mainly in terms of how easy it is to service! It's a funny brand, and maybe that's why I like them. Agree that the Patrimony line is wonderful. Cheers, Bill
Wow great research. Take a look at European Watch Company (Boston MA) they have a Bulgari Tourbilion for 19.9K
Hey Jay, thanks man! I've bought from EWC before and it was ok. A Bvlgari Tourby for under 20k sounds good... Thanks Bill
Love these watches!! Man the price has jumped on theses since the video was made
Hey YT, yeah, that has happened. Maybe they'll settle back down again. Take care, Bill
if you buy VC to wear and keep for yourself, its ok. But if you ever think resell in secondary market... today. That is close to impossible.
Joseph, the horological value of the VC never goes down; the horological value of a Rolex never goes up. The amount of money you pay for a watch often belies the horological value ... and that's what counts. Take care and be safe, Bill😷
@@watchartsci nice description. I like the term "horological value". People looks at watch with "speculative value" and even the brand are pushing to the limits, with so call "discontinued model, waiting list game" to fool the untrained eyes. Sadly 99% of watch collectors seems excited to be trapped in the game. I personally like VC, but honestly to know that I am going to spend $30,000 on a watch that I know I am unable to resell, do make me worry as you never know how bad will be the rainy days ahead of me, that one day I may need the money back.
@@josephtaylor3044 We often get side-tracked by erroneous measures of value. I wouldn't buy a $35k VC either, and while a new Historiques American 1921 lists for that, I was able to get one for $10k less ... waited 3 months but it's been a great watch and I have no plans to sell it. All watches I buy, I plan to keep. Take care and be safe, Bill😷
@@watchartsci great advise. Thank you master.
@@watchartsci waw ! Congrats on this amazing deal you had made on that 1921 . How did it happen ? I'm looking for one right now and I wish I could find one at a considerable lower price than what it retails for .
Hi Bill, thanks for the great video. Question for you - while the movement is absolutely one of the critical components of a watch - in your comparison with the Cartier - it seems like the finishing of the two dials receives minimal attention. Having seen these in person, I found the finishing on the VC to be top-notch and to me worthy of the higher price point. Is it worth the entire difference? debatable, but I didn't realize how nicely the petrol blue dial was finished until seeing it in the metal. Found it to be much nicer than many time pieces in a similar price range. I would argue the dial finishing is at least somewhat important. Would also contend that the VC version of the movement is a lot nicer, that gold rotor is a thing of beauty.
Hi Keegan, the finishing on VC is hard to beat, and my Historiques American 1921 and VC 1872 both have excellent finishing and attention to detail. Also, the 22kt gold rotor on the 56 is nicer than the steel one on the Cartier. As long a it's worth the $5,000 difference to you in the two watches; then it's worth it. Enjoy, Bill
So you wouldn’t consider the 56 as part of the trinity?
Brusk, only the most entry level 56's do not have Geneva Seal movements, but most 56 models do. I like the 56 and while the movement origin is ValFleurier, they're sorted out by VC. Take care, Bill
There is no VC AD in Arizona. I looked at the VC Fifty Six in Chicago at an AD that also carried JLC. I concluded that the Fifty Six base models were neither fix nor foul. Without a VC manufactured ebouche, the Fifty Six could not be regarded as a true VC. The Quai D’Ille is I think being discontinued but that is the lower priced VC that really struck a chord with me. It has a VC ebouche and I quite frankly love its looks. The Fifty Six base models did not compare to some of the JLC references like the Master Control Date and the Master Control Ultra Thin. A current Holy Trinity watch without a Holy Trinity ebouche is the horological equivalent of near beer - a flat tasting experience. The Cartier Drive with the Val Fleurier is a deal, although Cartier always seems to couple a horological advance with a market driven boner like the new quartz Santos references which seem to undermine the credibility of Cartier as a brand. Unlike Grand Seiko’s 9F quartz, Cartier does not address the technical specifications of its quartz movement and it doesn’t seem to be a quartz movement about which there are any bragging rights.
Howard, I really fell for the Quai de l'Ile when I tried one on back in '16 when I went to see the new Overseas. In fact, I liked the way it looked better than the Overseas. Maybe if I could find one at the right price... who knows? BTW, if you ever get to Las Vegas, that's supposed to be a watch Mecca as well. Cheers, Bill
WatchArtSci Bill, My wife is attending a psychiatry conference next month in Las Vegas and I am riding shotgun. While she is in all day sessions, I am going to go watch browsing. I am not sure that Las Vegas is as great a buying venue as it is a viewing venue but I will keep an open mind. Watches of Switzerland will no doubt have a stellar shop but as a publicly traded UK based entity it is unlikely that they will be open to much in the way of price negotiation. There are also monobrand boutiques there. I don’t know who owns them but my experience has been that, even where a monobrand boutique is owned by an AD who discounts in their multibrand store, the monobrand store tends to operate on a full retail price only basis. The only flex point tends to be throwing in some additional swag like baseball hats, pens, etc. I am acquainted with one manager of a monobrand boutique featuring one of your favorite brands who I can access for ethnomethodological purposes related to the Las Vegas watch trade. It is possible that the farther you get away from the Strip and the Fashion Show Mega Mall, the pricing may become more flexible. Cheers,
Howard, when checking out the many offerings, take some pictures for those of us who haven't been out west for a spell. (Watch out for phenomenological reductions of your bank account, too!😉) Cheers, Bill
Faulty logic. All value is not only based on movements. The dial and movement finishing on the VC is at a different level than cartier. 22k gold rotor vs steel rotor. When looking at the watches as a whole the VC fifty six is a much better watch than the cartier. The endless complaints of the 1326 makes no sense, for 250 years VC didn't use an in house movement. Rolex, Lange, Patek, Iwc, AP, GO, GS etc all dont have a geneva seal so that doesn't matter either.
There's no faulty logic, Bdegrds-most of the brands you named are outside of the Canton of Geneva-not eligible for the Geneva Seal. Patek Philippe started stuffing silicon hairsprings in their watches and lost the GS. Same with GO-thanks to Swatch. Rolex isn't in "fine horology" category. The faulty logic is to lump all 'non-in-house' movements in the same category -I'd rather have a watches with a Friedrich Piguet movement than one the was 'in-house'-I'm beginning to think that (other brands like IWC who use cheaper movements by ETA and Sellita) that focus should be on the quality of the horology than on its origins. Take care, Bill