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One other Friday, one other record! 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 in depth 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 current historical past justice both, however let’s contemplate it a glimpse of a number of the exceptional timepieces launched within the final twenty years.
Earlier than we leap in, enable me to rapidly qualify this record. Should you ask the Fratello writers to provide you with their favourite fashionable Vacheron watches, it’s going to be a protracted record. On high of that, it is going to characteristic reissues of a number of of Vacheron’s nice classics, not simply the well-known 222 that resurfaced in the previous few years. Moreover, opinions differ vastly about what the best Vacheron Constantin watches are. I don’t contemplate that a problem however, slightly, a superb show of the horology home’s diverse 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 number 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 record off with a Fratello workforce favourite. When Vacheron Constantin determined to deliver again its American 100 years after its first launch, the watch obtained heaps of reward. This recreation of a traditional driver’s look ahead to the American market captures the magic of its classic counterparts fantastically. Vacheron Constantin had launched a contemporary tackle this traditional earlier than, but it surely by no means did it in addition to in 2021. Presently, the model affords 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 really about that watch, and we’ll instantly crack a smile. The platinum 40mm case housing a phenomenal 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 by means of the case again’s sapphire window. The attractive motion carries the Hallmark of Geneva, is barely 2.8mm thick, operates at 28,800vph, and affords 65 hours of energy reserve.
Present and former variants
Whereas the watch is beautiful to take a look at, the true magic is in carrying it. With its rotated dial, slim case, and exquisite presence, any model makes an enduring impression. As talked about, the Historiques American 1921 continues to be a part of Vacheron Constantin’s catalog. Nevertheless, if you’re 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 begin at simply lower than €30K. Getting your arms on the much-loved platinum variant generally is a ready recreation due to the low manufacturing quantity. Moreover, anticipate costs far above its preliminary €51K retail worth.
When trying to find 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 could 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 improbable 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 revealing of the revamped Abroad assortment in 2016. The white gold mannequin with a grey dial accompanied the equally sensible 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 mix of the attractive dial shade and pink gold case and bracelet seems tremendous spectacular. However if you happen to favor 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 can be my decide. However, after all, it’s about extra than simply the dial shade 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 a phenomenal profile and make it a pleasure to put on.
Probably the greatest fashionable perpetual calendars
To energy this ultra-thin model of the Abroad Perpetual Calendar, Vacheron selected its caliber 1120 QPSQ. The motion is viewable by means of the case again’s sapphire window, and it measures simply 4.05mm thick. This 36-jewel caliber additionally incorporates a 22K gold rotor, operates at 19,800vph, and affords a 40-hour energy reserve.
From the balanced dial with the calendar components completely in sync to the slim case and fantastic ending, the Abroad Perpetual Calendar Extremely-Skinny is definitely among the finest fashionable Vacheron Constantin fashions. The record worth of one in every of these watches is a whopping CHF 119,000. However if you happen to go pre-owned, you might shave off a considerable sum of money. Asking costs begin at roughly €75K and transfer as much as the record worth. What that sum will get you is among the greatest fashionable perpetual calendar watches at present accessible.
Picture: Woohoo Time
Vacheron Constantin 1972 Status
Our subsequent decide is a watch with a narrative. First off, it matches the current development of formed watches completely. The one factor is that Vacheron Constantin launched this 1972 Status in 2013 as a reissue of an authentic 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 ability, dedication to authenticity, technical excellence, and magnificence. 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 widespread was an ultra-thin, curved, asymmetrical case designed by making use of the arithmetic of the golden ratio. Through the Seventies, the model launched a number of nice variations of the unique watch. Moreover, over time now we have 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 vast, 47mm lengthy, and simply 8.62mm thick. As I already alluded to, the case was designed through the use of the well-known golden ratio of 1.618. Should you take the dimension of the longest aspect of the case and divide it by the size of the sapphire crystal on the other aspect, you’re going to get the magical 1.618 as the end result.
Picture: Woohoo Time
With its up to date dimensions, the 1972 Status was now not a women’ 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 2 hundredth anniversary. It provides the proper 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 generally is a problem. You received’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 means forward of its time.
Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes De Vache 1955
Vacheron Constantin has lengthy been often called a model that launched many lug kinds. Probably the most outspoken and legendary is the Cornes de Vache lugs. These cow-horn-style lugs have turn 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 steadiness. On high of that, they utterly redesigned the chronograph mechanism with adjusted shapes for the levers. Moreover, the column wheel proudly options the model’s Maltese cross and affords 48 hours of energy reserve. Lastly, the ending is top-notch, leading to a surprising 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. Presently, the model solely affords the pink gold and chrome steel variations. However if you happen to go pre-owned, it is possible for you to to seek out all three, after all.
The exceptional factor is that the chrome steel model is just not way more reasonably priced 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 beautiful gold model of this reissue of the legendary traditional.
Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222
Can we create a listing of the highest Vacheron Constantin watches with out placing the 222 on it? Nope! You in all probability 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, but it surely wasn’t a part of the model’s assortment for that lengthy. Consequently, 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 in all probability 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 means in comparison with the gold mannequin. It instantly turned one in every of my favourite current releases, and it’ll in all probability be on the high of my record 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 simple however distinguished blue dial and the sensible bracelet. Add the gold Maltese cross as a small however apparent callback to the model’s roots, and you’ll find yourself with a superb reissue of that ’70s traditional.
As most of you realize, 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 primary motive is that the trendy motion ups the beat price to twenty-eight,800vph, making it extra correct. On high of that, the 2455/2 incorporates 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 seems.
Greater than a reissue of a traditional
What we find yourself with is an excellent 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 favor and sophistication. It’s an announcement that I completely take pleasure in and relate to, and it makes the Historiques 222 the proper final decide for our record of the highest 5 fashionable Vacheron Constantin watches.
Last ideas on the highest 5 fashionable Vacheron Constantin fashions
Should you paid consideration, you’ll have seen 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 Abroad Twin-Time “Everest” and the Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Chronograph. We might have added these to the record as nicely. Nevertheless, what this record of 5 watches completely exhibits is the good historic depth and wonderful variation in design and magnificence that Vacheron Constantin affords. Add the good watchmaking custom, immaculate ending, and eye for element, and also you’ll perceive why Vacheron Constantin is among 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 record? Do you agree with our picks, or would you’ve gotten chosen different watches? As all the time, please share your ideas within the feedback under.
