⌚ The History of Vacheron Constantin
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 มิ.ย. 2019
- Here we chat about the history of Vacheron Constantin. Yes, one of the previous owners was kidnapped.
We also chat about why no one buys Vacheron anymore.
Enjoy!
Thanks for watching !
-John P
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I love VC's no matter what you say. Not everyone is drawn into the sports watch craze. I like PP's Calatrava, but the VC's Patrimony and Traditionelle are beautiful timepieces that I appreciate the most. It's their simplicity makes them elegant.
Patek and AP have taken advantage of social media and the fact that they get a lot of free advertising every time a celebrity flashes their wrist on Instagram or Twitter. I know this is the way things work today, but hopefully Vacheron stays more true to the heritage and prestige of being one of the “Holy Trinity” because to me, social media celebrity has tarnished that for the other two brands. Also, thank you very much John. I usually find kind of something to kid you with on your videos because they are informative and entertaining. But this was my favorite video from you. I was spellbound! Thanks!
Ray Quintanilla Exactly. Surface rules over depth on the current market. Most PP and Rolex buyers don't know or care about horology I'm sure. It's only a fashion and status accessory basically.
I buy VC. I prefer vintage VC for the smaller size. I am glad VC doesn't chase every trend. The designs are classic and beautiful. If I wanted an uninspired chunky dive watch I would buy a rolex.
Chunky? They are much smaller than the shotter from overseas .. just look at those big ass watches.. that dont even hack or have a full bridge ( for a sport watch ... pathetic ) I mean literally go compare the size of the overseas chrono and the size of the Daytona.. and come back and tell me the exact numbers.
@@sergeyzerkin8029 yeah the Daytona is tiny on wrist. Got to try a few on and as I have a small wrist they suit me but I was shocked by how tiny they are especially as I used to a Speedy Pro as my main chronograph.
Or a bland Seamaster
People don't buy VC because there aren't many real watch collectors. It's just a bunch of douchebags like this guy making TH-cam videos to buying and selling watches. Just a bunch of investors.....it's like saying car dealerships are not people that are into cars.
I love VC so much more over the other 2, they rather low profile but that is why I love them. I owned my very first VC about two years back & if I could Oversea Gen 3 will be my next. Great video John but VC do have their own fan base........
That's why you love it ? Cuz other dont have it .. you base your taste on other people sad. Really really sad.
@@sergeyzerkin8029 if that's sad, it's more sad to be a sheep and buying things because everyone else have it.
@@xx1j i agree
Actually, Vacheron Constantin, renowned for its craftsmanship, produces about 20,000 to 25,000 watches annually. This limited production is by design, to maintain their exclusivity in the ultra-luxury market. Despite the lower volume, they have a strong demand among collectors and watch enthusiasts, suggesting they sell most of their yearly production. So, it's not accurate to say that nobody buys their watches. They cater to a niche, high-end market quite successfully.
Yes, this! I think he is too American to understand this concept; old money luxury brands like VC are more than okay selling a limited number of their products, because that makes them more exclusive
VC is getting popular again. Overseas is a perfect sports watch! Comes with 3 straps. WIN WIN WIN!
Good point. Will check out.
Love the format. I’m a history buff and this was very interesting. Keep up the good work. thank you sir.
Very interesting history and analysis of Vacheron past and present. I love it when you share knowledge like this. The lack of interest makes them a good value used. Thank you John :)
Nice segment John P. Thank you. 👍
Interesting history lesson, thanks John i didn't know any of that.
Love the history lesson and music. Upping your production quality, nicely done.
Nice work! I like this format
Loved the episode, especially the history part which I was not expecting to see like the way you did. I think improved the content since it make the content more unique and add some more characteristic to it. Keep doing John, waiting for more!
Thanks for the informative history behind the maison. Knew about VC but never really bothered much about it in the past. But as I learnt more about their watches, I really like them and appreciate it more. So much so I bought the FiftySix Day Date and I love it! Perhaps the OS3 would be next.
This is an absolutely amazing video! Currently waiting for an overseas AD was genuinely happy I had brand knowledge thanks to this video
The Overseas is beautiful and not terribly priced for the non chronograph models. I don’t think of it as a sports watch though, more along the lines of a SS DJ41. Personally I think it looks better than a royal oak or nautilus.
Anthony Amato Agreed!
DJ 41 is a sport watch. The lume, the steel bracelet, Google the defitnion of oyster perpertual. Oster refers to a sport case . Peprtusl to the automatic rotor. A dress watch is usually manual lacks the date. Comes on leather and has a small size. Not to mention small or non existing bezel. Examples lange saxonia thin 36. Patek elipse.
Have to agree with you. It’s slightly sporty in a Rolex Explorer kind of way
Please make this into a series, going through all the major brands (AL&S, FP, AP, PP)!
Great idea !
I second this!
I totally agree. The historical significance is what really adds the most value to these brands..
I find the gold Maltese Cross on the case of the 222 pure 🔥
Yes beautiful watch and I would also have a vc american with platinum case and blue hands and numbers 😊
Thank you for the informative video ⌚🤴👍
Very nice story! Learned a lot
Speaking only for myself, I took a look at the Royal Oak, the Nautilus and the Overseas and I went with the blue dial stainless steel Overseas chronograph. What a great watch. There was a six month to two year waiting list for the watch so people are buying them. No they will not command the premium that certain Royal Oak models or certainly the Nautilus will on the gray market, but I bought it to wear, not to resell or flip.
Best blue dial in the watch industry.
I certainly thought the current generation is sporty looking with three included bands/straps that you don’t need tools to change and can change at the press of a button. I also like AP and have a Royal Oak Offshore. But the VC Overseas Chronograph is a fantastic watch in my opinion that you can wear for dress or sport.
Very good 👍🏻 keep em coming
Great format. Always interested in this brand & fell in love with the overseas first time I saw it, having no familiarity with brand or anything about it at the time.
Also, Most of VC modern watches are made with in house calibers and all but one receives the highest achievement possible which is the hallmark of Geneva! Which the same can not be said for the others in the trinity.
Magic Mike indeed.
Excuse my ignorance, but what is the hallmark of Geneva?
Great video! I learned a lot! I love Vacheron watches
Love the new VC Overseas with quick strap. I do agree I've never seen anyone with one. Now do I sell my batman to get a OS with a blue face? hahaha, tempting.
I can understand that to each their own is a big factor as well as hype and the secondary markets value effects what’s “in”. But Vacheron has always been my favorite by far. Especially the patrimony. Genuinely love that watch like a child
The reference to "Glengarry Glen Ross" is priceless. Cheers!
Thanks for the History lesson. Was very interesting. In the early days of watchmaking, usually only the wealthy could afford wrist watches and most would have pocket watches as they have been around for a lot longer.
Watching this makes me respect JLC even more.
Great video!! Hasn’t aged particularly well since VC is currently quite sought after as you know 😅
Really enjoyed this episode and would love to see more like this where it takes us into the history of certain watchmakers. I also really like VC and it’s a shame they haven’t quite gotten their act together on a sports watch however maybe I will find a better deal on a used watch however I would still also feel better if I knew it would hold value
Thank you, John, the video was very informative and a tribute to a great brand, I have a VC in the Overseas perpetual calendar ultra thin, and exceptional piece with other straps included to personalize your preference. Excellent work, John, than you.
Nice Video. So Do VC watches still contain JLC movements? Do VC have any watches with their own movements in? If so which..? tks
Nice video! I believe VC is going their own way, not just following trends. They have their own philosophy, pride and future vision(I hope). Today, I own two pieces of VC(I'm 36 years old), just got the latest Overseas with amazing Black dial. VC is still making their new fan base whatever or whoever says. Before that, I was a huuuuge OMEGA fan(still love them :)) but the history and romanticism of VC made me buy their products in a couple year and I'm really into VC now.
I think the watch selling today is very weird. Everyone buying same watches like Rolex, AP(especially RO), Richard Mille, etc. I'm not a guy who want those watches that others already owns. Not suppose to bad mouth others! AP is great, ROLEX, OMEGA and other new brands like HUBULOT are doing tremendous work, and of course, Patek is more than super. But somehow I just love VC more than others because of all the above I described.
Plus, I believe VC will rise in the near future! Heard a rumor that they are doing something new from 2020.
This Geneve giant will make new history and its spirit carries on forever!! :) Sorry, all of these are IMAO lol
Best, YW
Your thumbnail game is on point sir!
Watching this near the end of 2021… how quickly have things changed?
Thanks for this great history lesson! Really interested in VC as a brand now after I got my overseas dual time.
I have a vintage--1954 give or take-Patrimony. Look at the new Patrimony and it's remarkably similar to the antique. My dad bought the watch in BIWI on a cruise--or so the story goes. I love this piece. I had it serviced and it is very accurate. Black dial--gold hands. It is still a stunning watch.
B Newman, socal
Sounds very cool !
@@JohnPWatches a little side story about my vintage Vacheron. Vacheron has a restoration facility that, I'm sure you know, will redo any of their watches, I think, regardless of age. You send (insured) your watch to them and in good time (pun intended) they get back to you with a written "proposal". After I picked myself up off the floor after reading the price and itemized work proposal, I had them ship it back to their boutique in NYC, where my bro-in-law picked it up and brought it back to me in SoCal. The price was the same as the insured replacement value by an expert seller here in my area. His watchmakers did outstanding work for me. I love the watch for its sentimental and pride of ownership value. Reinventing the piece would have not made it any more important to me.
Very cool video . VC Overseas is my end all collecting watcg. One day :)
You are dope to suggest this. It is one of the best watch brands
Interesting video bro!
John this is great content. I find myself watching your (and Freds) videos more and more. And often ignoring other youtubers that I find are not really adding to my knowledge. I think your viewership would improve if production values can be upgraded (better quality camera/shots, better background, graphics etc). Ultimately these things are cosmetic yes but think it makes a difference.
Good video John. I'm just thinking a new fiftysix (blue dial), but as you said, there is better options and unfortunately VC is not keeping their value like Rolex, AP or patek. This video is exactly what I'm thinking about the last few weeks.
Great video and analysis. VC has its own issues, but the larger issue is how to position all the brands, the collection of brands owned by Richmond: Cartier (having become a heavy weight on its own merits and off the back of the Cartier jewellery business), JLC (now integrated), Piaget, RD, Montblanc, Baume & Mercier etc.
I want too see a return to the 222, I love that watch and IMO its the most beautiful sports watch ever made.
I much prefer my Vacherons to Patek. Don't care what other collectors think, or are told to think... Picking up a 1921 American next. I challenge you to show me it's equal in Patek or AP or Rolex, etc
1921 my grail watch. Soon ; )
Wonderful 👍
What’s your opinion of the VC Patrimony small seconds ?
No one buys them? Completely false sir! Lol
Magic Mike Morgan Stanley reported VC sales share in last year was 1.9% in watch market, citing VC production is just 20k per annum, I think they are selling well. Rolex had the biggest pie with 22%, and others 21%. These are the production capacities of watches: Rolex 1-1.2mil , Patek 70-80k, AP 60k. Obviously
It’s not as well known in North America than it is in Europe
There was a photo of Obama with VC Patrimony somewhere, years ago, I think it was reference: 81180/000G-9117, so someone buys them. I do like their Patrimony manual wind in grey, but the prices are heart-stopping because Patrimony in grey is only in platinum.
I also looked at Malte once, and they look huge on the wrist. You would think such a dress watch would be geared toward understated elegance. Strange.
mountainhobo VC had a few boutique edition Patrimony pieces , they have all different dual textures, they are such a dream.
That would erode the value of VC. No commie garbage!
I’m saving up for a 90s Overseas. Will take a couple of years. Very attractively priced compared to their competition.
elom44 Is that Gen 1? That’s a gorgeous piece, it’s ultra thin and very attractive. VC O ultra thin Gen 3 cost much much more.
@@tomkhong9828 yeah Gen 1, that's where the value is I feel.
elom44 At that price point for a VC and it’s history , there’s no better watch. Getting a mint one today may be tricky
I’m about to buy a Vacheron Overseas from the AD. I can’t wait.
VC overseas Gen 2 is great, I bought an IWC ingenieur as a cheaper alternative (plus the rubber/blue croc strap), but one day I will step up to the plate.
Love a good ingy
The price of the new model makes an overseas a closer option !
Back in the day there were tool watches and watches. Now there’s sports watches and dress watches. I love VC . The problem is lots of people don’t take pride in their dress anymore . So a gold patrimony doesn’t go with a sweat shirt and joggers. We’re living in Cary Grants worst nightmare. Personally I think Swiss watches from the 50s and 60s have unrivalled aesthetics. Hope we can rediscover true beauty.You’re right though with your comments about Patek and AP.
who looks at this legend in 2020
Interesting stuff, great vid! I like VC, but never quite pull the trigger. They just seem bit more 'true' than PP/AP. Yeah, they haven't cracked the whole celebrity/hype schtick, but that makes them more authentic to me. I know they sell hugely in China (along with Longines and Omega), where they are regarded as the pinnacle of watches, based on their history and quality. Unfortunately, I think the massive Chinese market has influenced design decisions at VC. The Overseas is a bit brand obvious, no? Amazing on the wrist though.
VC Overseas blue is the most beautiful of steel sports watches.
the oldest of the holy trinity .. my personal favorite of the trinity.. The Overseas is simply the finest sports watch out there.
A perfect example of what I mean is the JLC 920 movement..... used by each of Patek, AP, and AP.
I have a 3rd gen VC Overseas with the brown dial and I’m glad I got it for less than retail. With all the craziness for luxury sports watches, I think this is the best one you can still get for “cheap”. Having said that, I prefer underrated brands which in turn wouldn’t be on every athlete or celebrity’s wrist. VC, ALS, and FP Journe are just some of the brands that are better off in their current state. As real watch aficionados say, “if you know, you know”.
A wonderful piece! Congrats.
Was Napoleon put on a waiting list because he didn't have enough purchase history?
The title is really misleading, no one buys them 😂. I would say no one can afford them. For example Rolex will never be as good as a VC.
Exactly... I just got me my first VC and is far superior than Rolex
the f*ck the title is pure clickbait !
Right now, Rolex is more technically advanced than VC - Rolex is also one of very few (along with the mighty Patek Philippe) that manufactures all of its parts in house. VC needs to stop buying cheap ass movements for its entry level watches. There is a reason no one buys VC. Watch buyers are smarter and more sophisticated than ever before, VC needs a serious turnaround or it will lose its position in holy trinity (most likely by its Richemont brother ALS)
@@ratdammooo Even Omega has better movements than Rolex
@@midas1929 yes so they are still using Lemania based chronograph hahaha
This only made me love VC even more
VC is pure class.
Interesting- among the watch trinity, Vacheron Constantin and Jacquet Droz (I consider is part of the trinity) are the pinnacle of watch making. Vacheron Constantin is also the best sounding watch name and it's worn by amazing catholic popes.
God bless us all.
Love your vid. VC is not for the mass like Rolex, that’s why enthusiasts love it. Btw, JLC was a movement Contractor for AP and PP as well, not just for VC. VC did a lot of work on the movement to make them Geneva Seal.
And VC finished the JLC movements to much higher standard. And they still do.
Jeff M absoutely , VC makes their own movements mainly for their dress watches, they use JLC’s and GP’s for some models.
@@jeffm4349 they still do and they still suck ( both movments from jlc and vacheron ) .. all holy trinity suck in reliability.. sadly.
Not for the masses like Patek and AP
What do you think of the Overseas Perpetual Calendar in rose gold (4300V/R)? I see that online dealers are now selling them at a 20% discount.
Most vacheron are good at discount
@@JohnPWatches Outside of the price, what are your thoughts on the watch? I wish it had a seconds hand so that I could see the movement in action
Definitely coolest name of any brand
Nice
I have two : Blue Face FiftySix and white gold Harmony Dual Time. I actually sold my JLCs ... as they were not special enough ...
Damn, the old intros music. You should bring it back for good times sake
I like the fifty-six collection
Hey John, I liked this kind of video! very informative for my level.
AP and PP also used JLC movement...Didn't really understand why criticize on this perspective...
VC is much more exclusive than any other brand of the luxury segment just in production numbers, which is something that matters in that segment, and this has been like that for many decades. Quality is as wonderful as PP and also PP has used calibers from other brands, like JLC and Lemania. So not that different there. Probably our perception now has much more to do with this sports watch craze than anything else.
I like the Vacheron Constantin brand and their fine watches. I strongly disagree about the JLC movements. JLC did and does the best quality movements and they provided semi-products of finest quality to Vacheron, which did finish them into own design and best quality. Although the basic setting of the movement is the same, the final product is different, more beautiful and of much higher quality than Patek of the same time. i also do not buy the sports-watch argument. I believe it is non-sense. What kind of sport do the people perform with golden Nautilus or Royal Oak? Beach volleyball? Rugby perhaps? Is everyone purchasing sports Rolex a professional dive? How many are divers, who wear diving watches?
classic and super :)
I have two of them. Understated, elegant and beautiful. Im quite happy the mainstreet punters queue in waiting lists and pay over retail for a mass produced rolex. Leave vacheron, patek, audemars and lange to the real connoisseurs! Great video loved it only criticism is the music volume is a bit high at times and its detracting from your voice.
Lmao, you think there is some technological constraint preventing mass production of Vacheron Constantin? There is nothing complex about a mechanical watch, its one of the most basic pieces of technology, it is way less complex than your fuckin iphone, to say nothing about automobiles and if those can be produced in the tens of millions per year, so can this. If they chose to, they could be producing hundreds of millions of vacheron constantin per year, same goes for each and every watch luxury brand. Just because they chose to produce less of something to make naive sheep and peasants like you want them even more doesnt make them better. So no, your watch is no better than a rolex, ur just jealous cause no ones wants them lol and they lose value while rolexes go up.
@@Papi_chulo1993 you obviously have no idea what you are talking about.
You’ve gotte be kidding - patek and AP are for the rich posers
Well I have to disagree with you. First people that can afford them do buy them, otherwise they would not be in business. Secondly, I not only believe the Vacheron Overseas , in particular Overseas III, is a better looking watch than both the AP or the Patek Nautilus it is of the same quality for far less money. Of course your post is a few years old and now you can see clearly the Overseas III has been gaining steam. The clean blue dial version with in house movement now sells for quite a bit above retail and is difficult to find. The fact that Vacheron was late to the sport watch game is certainly true, but I think their version is superior in design. The Maltese Cross incorporated into the bezel, face, band and clasp are beautiful, their interchangeable band system allows diversification the competing brands do not compete. So who now out of the big 3 is behind in design? I can buy a VC Overseas III for 1/5 the price of Patek's sport, and half of AP's ....VC should be on everyone's radar. Their all superior quality watches but I think the VC is a better deal, more versatile and just plain better looking.
Can you walk into any AD and pick up any VC overseas model? As I know you can’t do that with the likes of a top ap, Rolex or Patek watch
Unfortunately now you can’t even get a vacheron overseas. I’ve been waiting 6 months for my order.
Super 👍👍
VC is the oldest watch brand in the world, the reason they used JLC movement s not a lack of craftsmanship, it was a way to keep its uninterrupted history during the wold wars, and not stop like many other brands, the JLC movements don t exist anymore, also to correct you, VC, Cartier and Van Cleef are the top 3 money makers for Richmont Group, 2020, and 2021,
I heard their servicing is expensive (more so than other top tier brands), and sometimes parts are hard to source (which also increases costs of course). Anyone have experience? Good video John.
Yes, paid 1800$ for the Service of a Overseas and had to wait 6 months
Joseph Toniolo The full servicing cost by VC for a 3 hands sport was $650-700 last year . I think it’s fairly reasonable by a prestigious watchmaker
CleverSmart123 Nope, I serviced mine by VC Geneva, it cost me $700. Waited just 3 months.
Honestly Vacheron's Overseas is been a hot commodity nowadays that you can't get one on the AD anymore.
VC over the other two AP is just basically the Royal Oak PP is the same case as Rolex
wow
VC is my favorite HT brand...they are hard to sell...thus I don’t buy them...I do admire them thou...
Buy to keep then :)
The kidnapping episode was one of the biggest media spectacles of the 70's.
Today it is dubbed the OPEC siege.
In brief, December 21, 1975 a group of terrorists under the orders of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestinian stormed the OPEC meeting in Vienna and took 96 people hostage. 11 of them the oil ministers of the OPEC member countries.
The group was led by Ilyich Martinez (Carlos the Jackal) and also had 2 Germans of the Red Army Faction and 3 others. The Austrian government provided them with a plane to Algeria in exchange for releasing 54 hostages. 42 hostages were flown with the terrorists to Algeria, where further negotiation released the remaining hostages.
It is suspected the entire ordeal was instigated, financed, and supported by Muammar Gaddafi, who was upset with Yamani and the Iranian oil minister refusing to push OPEC members to increase oil prices further.
My moneis are limited. So if I dont go independent (eg Habring2 in my case) but high end manufacturer, i, considering bang for buck, end up with the watchmakers watchmaker. JLC not VC.
No one? Really?
I buy them
Many people do not understand that the economics of watch construction has changed materially....the wholly trinity probably had to purchase these movements back in the day from JLC because of the huge fixed capes costs in setting up a production run relative to a potential tiny retail that each of the trinity had.... now, that all changed when Computer assisted milling machines came along about 15-20 years ago...again, I am not sure why the movement choice is relevant to your argument....a few VC models sell just OK ... and Patek with a much bigger catalogue , is full of dogs that do sell all....try unloading a Patek Ellipse. My 40 year Rolex Datejust has decent resale value, but almost knows that It’s movement while bearing a Rolex stamp was in fact made by Aegler .... a company only recently ( approx. 17 years ago?) acquired by Rolex. It strikes me that individual watch models should be treated as different “markets” and focus less on brand overall.
wow wow wow
Let me see if I understand correctly. No one buys Vacheron. However they are still a thriving manufacturer producing 25k pieces a year. Why would they keep producing watches if no one was buying them?
Great video but I disagree with you about Vacheron. VC produce about 20,000 watches a year and are happy doing so (the “one of few” approach). I don’t give a crap about how many diamonds the latest music sensation has added to their watch but I do care that the watch looks great and is made by great craftsmanship. VC definitely in my option look more stylish than PP but you are right more dress watch than sports but I have Rolex/Omega/Tudor etc for my sports watches and will stick to VC for my dress ones. Most Patek Calatrava’s are in the flesh very boring looking sadly which is unfortunate as I would like one in the collection that I might actually wear ☹️.
And now the VC overseas blue dail is booming in value and u can't find them in reital shop
You didn’t mention the Historique maaan!!
It’s not mind blowing that Mr Vacheron would be able to discuss events and philosophies with Rousseau and Voltaire. Men would be well-read, have gone to school and learned a classic, universal education. Each had knowledge and they shared it about their trade. One was not defined by their corner of the market or trade. Tradesmen and intellectuals would teach each other and debate