Aftermath of recent Vacheron Constantin 222 auction

 After the recent auction of a Vacheron Constantin 222 white gold hit at a stunning price of HK$5M.

I guess that at the marketing and sales discussion at Vacheron Constantin headquarters, there may be having a topics is whether they are going to produce a White Gold Retro version of 222 Jumbo.

As I know many watch collectors are quite prefer a White Gold than a yellow Gold version of a sportive 222. So they even can make a more aggressive MSRP for the White gold version.

Lets watch out.

Next is the model Overseas Generation One 42042 with a case diameter of 37mm There are a few beautiful dial on the first generation Overseas, such as Salmon, blue and white. Will there be a possibility for Vacheron Constantin to make another line of new watches with the classy design of an Overseas series?

To me 50/50. lets see.

I have a White dial, Blue dial 42042 and a Salmon Dial 42052 35 mm version.

I have never owned a wonderful 42042 Salmon 37mm version so far.

HK Snob

The difference of Vacheron Constantin Overseas Generation 1 Ref 42042 and 42040

 On and off we can see there is Overseas ref 42042 and 42040 which state also same 37mm diameter.

So what is the difference between this models? We can refer to the attached table. More ever 

according to the official reply to one of their watch fan, telling that Ref 42042 has a stronger and thickness movement which is more suitable as the movement on a sport watch.

As for dial, the early one is sigma, then T Swiss T, and the replacement dial Swiss made.

So the price of Ref 42042 and 42040 has a big price difference of about 30%.

How to tell your watch is Ref 42042? You can check the bracelet is engraved with "423J" that should be 42042.

How about Ref 42050, that is having a 35mm diameter Overseas. So the price is even lower.

HK Snob

Vacheron Constantin Overseas is the next hit

                                

The market has gone insane about Patek Philippe’s Nautilus, and the already high prices of Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak will skyrocket in a matter of a matter of two years even amidst of COVID-19

The “Holy Trinity” of horology is composed of Patek, Audemars and Vacheron Constantin. What’s VC answer to its mainstream cousins?

During the “Japan quartz crisis”, Audemars Piguet introduced a premium stainless steel watch, creating the first modern luxury sport watch, it created the idea of paying for a luxury item of a steel watch, not necessarily for the intrinsic value of the object.

Noticed popularity that AP was gaining with its new Royal Oak, Patek Philippe seeked the same designer, Gerald Genta, to create Patek’s Nautilus.

What was Vacheron Constantin doing, being the oldest watch maker in current production?

Vacheron Constantin followed Patek, decided to introduce a modern sports watch. They hired a young designer named Jorg Hysek and requested him to create a watch in line with the Royal Oak and the Nautilus.

In 1977, the Vacheron Constantin 222 was born. 222 is the anniversary of the birth of the oldest Maison in Switzerland in 1977.

The beautiful Hysek’s design incorporates all the esthetic details that were popular in the 70s such as sharp angles, integrated bracelet and a distinctive bezel. The caliber inside was the thin VC1120 the same movement was being used in the Royal Oak and Nautilus, based on a Jaeger LeCoulte design.

It was produced in much smaller quantities that its cousins, however, it was available in a wide range of materials and sizes, from stainless steel to gold, from 25 to 37 mm. A square version was available too.

After some short experiments with the “333” and the “Phidias", two very 90s looking watches that allowed Vacheron to experiment some innovations, the brand was ready to unveil its watch for the new millennium.

The Overseas

Designed by Vincent Kaufmann and Dino Modolo in 1996, the “Gen. 1 Overseas” was released and immediately crowned as the heir of the 222. The nautical theme, which was at the base of the Royal Oak and the Nautilus, is now fully embodied.

Very discreet at 37 mm, Model 42042 with iconic bezel is intended to remind the Maltese cross, VC’s logo. The overall look of the Overseas immediately conquered the heart of many watch enthusiasts, looking to acquire a true sports watch, paired with the elegance and artisanal craftsmanship typically from Vacheron Constantin. This was immediately recognized to be one of the most beautiful and refined sports watches available.

The Overseas Gen. 1 was redesigned in 2004, to create the “Gen. 2”, with the intent of creating a much sturdy watch, capable to withstand every adventure.

The case was bulked up to a larger 42 mm as in the hype for bigger case and a new, less delicate, bracelet was introduced. This bracelet reminding of a half Maltese cross, is now an icon of the Overseas.

In 2016, introducing the “Gen. 3”. The general design was modernized with softer lines: the eight notches of the bezel were reduced to six, the hands were slimmed down and the solid case back was switched in favor of a sapphire case back. This allows the owner to admire the magnificent movement, powered by a solid 22Kt gold engraved rotor.

A system of quick interchangeable straps allows to switch between a stainless steel bracelet, a leather strap and a rubber strap without the need for tools, providing incredible versatility for the owner.

The wide variety of complications, from chronographs to perpetual calendars, is masterfully executed, creating one of the most refined and elegant sport watches ever.

The Overseas is ready to hit?

For over the last ten years, the Vacheron Constantin Overseas was overshadowed by it more mainstream cousins, the Royal Oak and the Nautilus. While the Reissue 222 in 2022 has now reached a cult-like status, being rightfully crowned as a 80s icon, the Overseas is just beginning its rise.

In 2019 Oversea Gen. 1 automatic watch blue dial was as little as HK$80,000, now we can see Chrono24 is selling as high as HK$240,000. That is 3X higher in 3 years.

In my humble opinion. The top tier quality of the masterpiece with so many unique iconic feature on one single watch. The Overseas is the watch gaining momentum. No doubts.

HK Snob

Picture top down

1st picture :VC ad on 222 in the 70s

2nd and 4th Picture : VC 222 with special gold inlay with diamond.

6th and 7th picture: VC Overseas Gen. 1 in blue Ref 42042 37mm.

Vacheron Constantin 222 reissue

  
 This is the hot season for all fans of watch as most of the makers are announcing their new 2022 watches in this few days.

There are so many sites and bloggers talking about Rolex, I don't feel needed to say anything about it. Rolex effortlessly just put the crown from right to left and add a new bezel colour to green to create the new GMT Master.  Only you are Rolex Fans, or you will not be getting excited at all.

Above all these, I feel this is the most exciting watch of the year. 

Vacheron Constantin is reissuing its luxury sport watch launched in 1977, the model 222, as the 222th anniversary of the watch company established on 1755. The model 222 is the third watch of the so called Holy Trinity of luxury sport watches besides the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, and Patek Philippe Nautilus. As they shared the same basic JLC movement by that time.

Being a big fan of Vacheron Constantin, I once owned the 222 Jumbo in gold. 

One 222 was auctioned in 2021 with HK$1.3M. 

This 2022 model 222 is made with 37mm as diameter, 2mm smaller than the original 222 in 1977. Well, this is the perfect size, and the norm for most of  the new generation modern watches.

This is perfect size for me except the price is EUR 62,000,  I think this watch will be selling easier X2.5 more in the open market, I wish I could get one in Boutique at SRP.

HK Snob

Courtesy picture from monochrome

Some of my Vacheron Constantin watches

These are some of my collection on Vacheron Constantin watches.

Yes, I love these watches and all my bad was sold off some of the best such as the 222 in solid gold, also the first gen Overseas chronograph in solid yellow gold...

Reason I like them, simply because of the long history of the company, their patents on design, and 

the handcraftsmanship of swiss best watches... The Maltese cross is another reason. It is so much full of blessing. The Bracelet is the top amongst the Nautilus, Royal Oak bracelet in aesthetic cosmetics, and wearing comfort.

The 222 was auction with a hammer price of HK$1.1M, wow that the guy who bought from me must be lucky one as I sold at HK$170K only two years ago. So I told myself VC price s going to be up and I think I will not sell these unless I need extra money to support my next toy buy!

Never the less, we are just the keeper for some watches for my life, they will be passing to the next generations. Once I have possessed them is my destiny already. No regret!

HK Snob

Vacheron Constantin price is going up

 As we all know that Chrono24 price is good for a reference only as they do impose a service charge so sellers are likely mark up certain percentage on top if it.

I have been observing in these 9 months more people is talking about Vacheron Constantin mainly on its Overseas series.

As Rolex Daytona, Patel Nautilus and Roya Oak of AP price are very high, one who is looking next buy would be consider something else.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas has been selected as the next target.

We can see from these movement:

1. HK dealer groups have been more actively trade on Overseas

2. More and more website are talking about Overseas

3. The Blue Overseas is really built with full esthetic look.

4. Chrono24 price has been increase more than 40% since July till November for say the Generation one Overseas made between 1996 to 2003, especially in Blue dial.

Let's keep an eye on it.

HK Snob

Vacheron Constantin

This is a  Vacheron Constantin Gen 1 automatic watch with 37mm dia excluding the crown.

NFS.

HK Snob

 

What is next after Patek, Rolex and Audemars?

 This is recent post up on internet about the new role of watch that has been pulled up with prices.

Well, that is not my surprise as when Patek, AP and Rolex price is high enough to an astonishing level, people will start to look for replacement.

Although many people dislike what I am trying to say as they are base on the old market value of Vacheron on the past 5 years as a reference. But I can see the trading price of Vacheron is getting high in the HK watch trading groups everyday.

Of course the data is not lying by itself, Yes I know those Patek AP fans is not likely to hear that as this will dilute the buying focus towards these Patek and AP. 

Never mind, we should watch out.

HK Snob

Vacheron Constantin Triple Calendar

 One of my favourite VC dress watch.

It is simple, automatic, Blue Dial Moonphase with traditional layout and dial design.

36mm diameter excluding crown.

A lovely piece in my Vacheron Constantan collection

HK Snob

 

Collectiors' Journey with Vacheron Constantin watch makers

 It was a honour to attend the event at Prince building VC boutique on 27 Aug 2021 with Friends together.

These are the valuable watches shown top down in order

1. Jubilee 1935 $134,000

2. Stainless 1947 only 254 pcs made, Steel was a rare metal during war time $970,000

3. yellow gold $118,000

4. Pink gold $126,000

5. My friend's Rolex Stella 18039 in blue $456,000

6. Ref 4241 $290,000

7. Ref 4141 $290,000

8. VC Titanium Ref 85050/000T-9341 with 260 movement $350,000 estimated at current value

These watches will b sold at the boutique after the event on 6 Sep 2021 except item 5 and 8.

HK Snob

Vacheron Constantin Platinum Perpetual calendar watch

 This is a rare piece of  Vacheron Constantin perpetual calendar dress watch in platinum.

It was available only one piece with HKD$1,680,000 back in 1996 bought by one tycoon in Hong Kong. We are working on the archive paper from Vacheron Constantin.

If you are into VC, don't miss this holy- grail.

HK Snob

Two Vacheron Constantin watches Tourbillon and GMT

These are two of the Vacheron Constantin, the first one is Patrimony Tourbillon manual winding with 7 days power reserve watches with crystal bottom cover that we can see through the beautiful movement.

Second one is brand new world time on Overseas which is neither too plain nor too crowded on the dial design. a low profile Overseas watch with 41mm.

These are two watches that may capture your attention. 

If you are eager to take them home, do contact me.

HK Snob

 

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Ref 49140

 The tiny white ball is made of Ceramic which is prone to be reliable as to lock the clasp

My other Watches

Vacheron Constantin was founded in 1755 and is to this day, the oldest Swiss watch brand that has been continuously in business. They had an 84-year head start over Patek Philippe. That’s about 3 generations of watchmaking older than Patek and a lot can happen over a span of 84 years in watchmaking. In 2015 to mark the brand’s 260^th anniversary. Vacheron Constantin launched the model 57260, with 57 complications, 2,826 parts and 31 hands that took them 8 years to assemble This is touted as the most complicated timepiece in the world. Vacheron Constantin had impressed watch aficionados around the world and has attracted many high profile customers which include King Farouk of Egypt and many others. The people that tend to purchase a Vacheron watch are usually the types that have an appreciation for impeccably crafted complicated mechanical watches but also like to fly-below-the-radar when wearing one. Vacheron Constantin is the 15th most recognized and valuable Swiss watch brand in the world. Though they are not as high up on the list as the likes of Patek Philippe or Rolex, they are still a very recognized brand with tremendous brand prestige. This is Overseas Ref 49140 in yellow gold 42 mm, weight 243 grams weight with full length of bracelet. I just love it and I often wear it.

What makes this Vacheron appealing is the fact that it's not a Rolex or a Patek Philippe!

HK Snob

"Asymmetric " Vacheron Constantin 1972 Ref 37010 18 KT Rose gold Watch

A Perfect Asymmetric 1972 Retro Ref 37010 18KT good watch with Constantin Manual winding movement.
One of the classic perfect Dress watch with folding clasp.
This is a rarely used watch, like mint with no signs of usage, 2003 watch with original warranty Papers and Box.
Full set, SRP was HK$187,000 and now I am looking for the watch lovers who love the classic Constantin Watch... with a surprise Price offer.


HK Snob

Vacheron Constantin Overseas 49140/423J

Yes, I am a big Fan of Vacheron Constantin, as I like the Maltese Cross, I like their tradition and only one thing I don't like is the price is too high.

This is one of the new found treasure Overseas in yellow gold, Ref 49140/423J super heavy that my electronics weigh is overloaded, (max. 200gf) I estimate that this watch is as heavy as 235 grams with full links on.

This is a big date, chronograph. this is 40mm but looks much bigger than 40mm,  the bracelet is very comfortable, super elegant seeing the Maltese Cross bezel.

I feel like I am wearing a new shoes during the new term open at primary school.

HK Snob

New Vacheron Constantin Watches 2019

The First tourbillon Overseas shows hours and minutes, while small seconds are on the tourbillon carriage which is openworked in the shape of a Maltese Cross, the emblem of the Manufacture.

Calibre 2160 whose extra-thin profile measures 5.65mm high (and barely more than 10mm high for the case). Such slender forms of a watch that delivers a comfortable 80 hours of power reserve. The distinguishing features of the Overseas collection are perfectly respected, with the characteristic six-sided bezel and a blue dial whose colour is brought out by the steel case. Beating at 2.5 Hz, lovely design as a Sport Watch.

On the Vacheron Constantin’s 260th anniversary, it returns to its roots by enriching its Métiers d’Art collection with two new timepieces equipped with entirely hand-engraved movements, the plates and bridges of the manual-winding calibres 2260 (14-day tourbillon) and 4400 (hours, minutes) are adorned with delicate floral motifs echoing the engravings that embellished the first pocket watches developed by Vacheron Constantin from 1755 onwards. Housed in a platinum case, these two in-house-made movements feature traditional tone-on-tone motifs. These mingled scrolling and arabesque patterns pay tribute to the acanthus flower, a source of inspiration celebrated in all art forms since Antiquity.

65 Days Power Reserve

Vacheron Constantin breaks new design with this perpetual calendar; an ostensibly classic complication – except that the watch is equipped with two gear trains, each with its own balance. One vibrates at a high frequency of 5 Hz (36,000 vph) while the other maintains a frequency of 1.2 Hz (8,640 vph). By pressing the pusher at 8 o'clock, the wearer of the watch can switch between frequencies by "Resting" one or other of the balances. Switching to the lower frequency when the watch isn't worn means significantly less energy consumption, thereby extending the power reserve from four to 65 days.

What an innovative design!

HK Snob

Courtesy of FHH

Foundation High Horology

Vacheron Constantin, likely second best to no others.

1899 Minute repeater with day and date via aperture at 12

Mankind’s first experience with time is the change of night from daylight, and night changes into Sun rises, sun starts to give heat and light and shines across the sky, and after while, it starts to repeats and  darkness falling onto our place where we live. The seasons passes one and after the others, gradually mankind starts to realize that the rhythm of the changes of time has a consistence, it changes periodically. And men started to record it as day, hour, minutes and seconds, and how the moon phase changed by itself with regulation under the equation.The Moon's phase (synodic) cycle repeats on average every 29.53 days. Therefore, the timing of the Moon's phases shifts by an average of almost one day for each successive month. (Lunar year=354 days.)

The modern man, however thinks of how to use p their time wisely, or sparingly, and Men struggle that which he really a part of. If harmony is anything, it is the world in steps with itself, Man seeks ways to impose order, not realizing there is an order to things already. He seeks to capture time, not really knowing that time cannot be captured at all.

Instead of steal one second from time, or to stop the time to go away, we had at least well maintain the record of it.

It may be most obvious in something like a moon phase display, particularly for Chinese with Buddha religions who has habit of a vegetarian day on the lunar first and 15^th of the month…

A perpetual calendar is an interesting complication because you don’t receive instant gratification. With a minute repeater all you need to do is activate the trigger to hear if it works perfectly, with the tourbillon you see it immediately. With the perpetual calendar you need to be patient and project yourself into time...into a 4 year cycle.” Says Chrystian Lefrancois, one of Vacheron Constantin’s master watchmakers.

Back into 1790, Vacheron Constantin’s had its 1st calendar clock with a stunning engraved dial and indication of day and date.

In Ancient days, we need also to have a standard for event to be recorded, time, which is not less important than it is Today,  if we were men at that time, we could plant our crops whereby we need to know when the seeds should be scattered, when the time we should irrigate and when we should gathering for an happy harvest, moving forwards to the sways of seasons. When our aircrafts is so sophisticated with unmanned landing and take off, while our mankind also produces so many precise timepiece used to record time. With the celestial mechanical of Vacheron Constantin, we can see what such machine can be.

Vacheron Constantin is my favourite watch maker amongst all. I love its Maltese cross logo.

I have a few pieces in my collection, an Onyx white gold men’s dress watch, an Overseas chronograph, lady solid gold manual winding, a VC ultra thin men’s dress watch, and the VC 222.

HK Snob

The Holy Trinity of Watches

My AP 5402 Series A, 1972 with paper by 2011.

These three brands are Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin and are referred to as “The Holy Trinity” in horological circles for being uncompromising, meticulously crafted and assembled complicated details in Watch Design. Namely the Grandmaster, The King and the Prince, as used to call them VC, PP and AP…

Jean-Marc Vacheron (1731-1805) opened his workshop in Geneva in 1755. A younger contemporary of pioneering watchmaker Abraham-Louis Breguet, Vacheron was a superb craftsman, cabinotier, and an eager horologist. His first notable creation, the Silver Watch, had its key-wound movement secured to the solid silver case. In 1785 Jean-Marc's son, Abraham, took command of the business and saw it through the decade of the French Revolution from 1789 to 1799.

Two Polish immigrants to Geneva, Antoni Patek, a businessman, and Francois Czapek, a watchmaker, founded “Patek, Czapek & Cie” on May 1st, 1839.  In 1844 Patek met Jean-Adrien Philippe, a French watchmaker who introduced Patek to his pioneering system of setting and winding the watch via the crown.

In 1932 the company was purchased by Charles and Jean Stern, two brothers who owned a fine dial manufacture in Geneva.  The name was changed finally to “Patek Philippe S.A.” and has remained in the Stern family ever since.  In 2009, presidency of the company changed to Thierry Stern, who makes this the 4th generation of the Stern family ownership.

Audemars Piguet was founded in 1875 when Jules Louis Audemars joined together with Edward Auguste Piguet.  Their goal was to develop and manufacture watches with complex mechanisms.  Audemars Piguet is well respected today because it is the oldest fine watch-making manufacturer never to have left the hands of its founding families.

They are having different client, value, image and company product direction.

The First Nautilus 3700/1 1976

Idea is from the merchant vessel's porthole

Genius and the Nautilus

Gerald Genta remembered that he designed the watch that was later named Nautilus during the Basel Trade Fair:

"I was at a hotel restaurant and some people from Patek were sitting in one corner of the dining hall eating, while I was sitting alone in the other corner.

I told the waiter: “Bring me a piece of paper and a pencil, I want to design something” and I designed the Nautilus while watching Patek people enjoying the food!

It was a sketch that I completed in 5 minutes". Genta's illustration below was based on that initial sketch!

IMHO

PP is conservative in creating new look of watches though we are seeing more NEWER design in these two years!

Patek is used to make expensive, complicated watch, the often record holder for Auction. An hedge fun of your loss on the stock market by putting money on Vintage PP watches.

We used to say Old man’s watch. Yes, who could possibly entitled to buy an entry level watch which is two times the price of a Submariner. Only older people can have s deep procket to buy.

VC is more in making dress watch, complicated watch to beat the King. In 1960 to1970, Vacheron was ahead of Patek in the quality/detail race for the title as KING. The Vacheron was a much classier watch in its day.

The Prince AP is outrageously like a stray horse, very fast in launches new model for the younger generation. It is Bold enough to make a 57.2mm ref. T3 where PP could never had such thought in mind.

Which one is better? Well these are the best iconic product that we could possibly say.

Solid Gold Nautilus, my dream watch for weekends

The 5402 Jumbo launched in 1972 that saved the Company from Bankruptcy

A Superb Dress watch VC "222"

The bracelet design resembles the Gold snake that wraps around your wrist comfortably.

It weighs 182 grams, 30 grams heavier that the solid gold AP Jumbo 39mm

PP’s Nautilus 1976

AP’s Royal Oak Jumbo ref 5402

VC’s 222 in 1977 (I like model number “222” in Cantonese “Easy, Easy and Easy)!

These are the Holy Trinity of these Top Brands of Watch in the World!

I wonder on earth who owns these three watches at same time.

Send me picture if you are the Lucky one!

 

HK Snob