Rolex owners and the big 3

[Easy E]

With reasonable regularity I see posts where, when questioned, the advice to branch out the collection to other brands, in particular Patek and AP, but never Vacheron. I also almost never see VCs listed in the classifieds. Further, there are sub-forums here for PP and AP, but not VC. Why no Rolex owners love for VC?

E-

[Shamorai]

Those awful bezels?

[AF_Rob]

Originally Posted by Shamorai

Those awful bezels?

I never thought of that, but you are right. The bezel kept me from pulling the trigger on an Overseas. For a dress watch, I look to a more traditional look, which led me to the Reverso.

[BT1985]

I want a VC Fifty Six Moonphase pretty badly.


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[DasKptl]

Originally Posted by BT1985

I want a VC Fifty Six Moonphase pretty badly.

I'm in the same boat. I especially like the SS version of FiftySix Moonphase. It looks kinda casual even though a dress watch. It's quite well-designed, and the price is just right.

I personally prefer VC Patrimony and Traditionelle lines to Patek Calatrava line right now. Patek should put more efforts into their Calatravas.

[BT1985]

Originally Posted by DasKptl

I'm in the same boat. I especially like the SS version of FiftySix Moonphase. It looks kinda casual even though a dress watch. It's quite well-designed, and the price is just right.

I personally prefer VC Patrimony and Traditionelle lines to Patek Calatrava line right now. Patek should put more efforts into their Calatravas.

I tried on the steel version recently and it’s perfect. I think they hit a home run in bridging the gap between traditional dressy and casual elegant. The price point is just right too. Damn, now I really want one...


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[DasKptl]

Originally Posted by BT1985

I tried on the steel version recently and it’s perfect. I think they hit a home run in bridging the gap between traditional dressy and casual elegant. The price point is just right too. Damn, now I really want one...

Vacheron FiftySix seems to be a hit in East Asian countries right now. My friend in Seoul told me the initial supplies of FiftySix are all sold-out, and there's a long waiting list. Meanwhile, its popularity here in USA seems to be still lukewarm; perhaps it will catch on here gradually.

[DasKptl]

Originally Posted by BT1985

I want a VC Fifty Six Moonphase pretty badly.

This new blue-dial Vacheron FiftySix looks really nice, too. It's just been introduced at SIHH 2019:

[BT1985]

Originally Posted by DasKptl

This new blue-dial Vacheron FiftySix looks really nice, too. It's just been introduced at SIHH 2019:

Man, that looks great. I have been refreshing my phone every time I stirred awake last night looking for updates from SIHH but looks like you found this gem first. Cheers!


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[steve099]

Originally Posted by DasKptl

This new blue-dial Vacheron FiftySix looks really nice, too. It's just been introduced at SIHH 2019:

I would love to add this to my collection.

[airchitect]

Well Patek is Patek.......so there’s that. AP really only has the RO that saved them from going under in the 70’s, and VC.....well VC lacks consistency. Kind of like the Omega of the 3. There’s no “classic” look or piece that’s always part of the collection. Hence the depreciation and general lack of love. That said, their movements, finish, and overall watchmaking are on par with Patek and I’d say beat AP in many respects. In a few years if I can scoop a preloved unit of the current overseas at a deep discount I’d be all in. From a watchmaking perspective it puts a Daytona to shame imho.

[Roger Lococco]

I love some VCs. I don’t like a single Patek. And I only sort of like a few APs.

Here is my VC, which I truly love.




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[Easy E]

Originally Posted by Roger Lococco

I love some VCs. I don’t like a single Patek. And I only sort of like a few APs.

Here is my VC, which I truly love.




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Yes sir, that’s nice.

[mmmmp]

Originally Posted by Easy E

Yes sir, that’s nice.

I heartily agree, that's a beauty!

Although VC's are not represented as often as PP/AP, I'm sure they have a loyal following. I've admired VC's for many years and the few times I've been lucky enough to examine them up close, the workmanship, fit and finish, weight and "feel" are class *A*. I'm not sure if they're durable and reliable however, I have not reason to think otherwise.

Price is also a factor which has prevented me from adding onep to my 'collection'. Every facet of the VC brand scores top points in my opinion.

Mark

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[drcab]

Originally Posted by Roger Lococco

I love some VCs. I don’t like a single Patek. And I only sort of like a few APs.

Here is my VC, which I truly love.




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White 49150 for me

[tmcde]

That is a Awesome VC

[Carondelet]

Honestly I don't really know. Vacheron makes a number of classic and iconic watches that tend to be a little more understated. Someone earlier mentioned that they lack consistency, which I think is a very astute observation. I also think that of the three brands, it rides the least on the coattails of a signature flagship model. The Nautilus is a huge piece for Patek, and let's be honest, the Royal Oak is AP. With such huge hits you can anchor your brand and marketing around them. Rolex does the same, except Rolex has multiple big name pieces. I don't know if Vacheron has a strong enough flagship to anchor on and really bring the hype. That may be why it's lower in popularity. I'm not really certain thought, it's all just a guess haha

p.s. truth be told, while I respect Patek and AP, I respect Vacheron more.

[1watch]

Originally Posted by Carondelet

Honestly I don't really know. Vacheron makes a number of classic and iconic watches that tend to be a little more understated. Someone earlier mentioned that they lack consistency, which I think is a very astute observation. I also think that of the three brands, it rides the least on the coattails of a signature flagship model. The Nautilus is a huge piece for Patek, and let's be honest, the Royal Oak is AP. With such huge hits you can anchor your brand and marketing around them. Rolex does the same, except Rolex has multiple big name pieces. I don't know if Vacheron has a strong enough flagship to anchor on and really bring the hype. That may be why it's lower in popularity. I'm not really certain thought, it's all just a guess haha

p.s. truth be told, while I respect Patek and AP, I respect Vacheron more.

Those are salient points. VC also has the Genta-designed precursor to the overseas, release called the “222” in the 70’s. It did not develop a timeless, iconic status like the Nautilus did for Patek and Royal Oak did for AP. That said, all three are in a different universe from Rolex from an horological perspective. Vacheron had some really cool designs with character in the 40’s and 50’s. Look at the movement in this solid back VC. It’s the same JLC based caliber used by AP for the Jumbo/Ultra-slim RO.



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[DoctorA]

To me the problem with VC is its resale value! Even though I (and most people here) don’t buy watches as investment but come on! Buying a 30k watch that in know I would lose 20k on it if I decide to trade it for something else!

I’ve been looking for a dress watch and VC keeps coming up. I like their overseas Chrono and consider it a step up from IWC and Jaeger-LeCoultre!

[Easy E]

Oh, and another thing I don’t get, I have read here many times wherein the AP’s movement is described as delicate. So why all the AP love?

[exador]

You should see the furore over at Hodinkee regarding AP's latest releases:

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/co...ucing#comments

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by exador

You should see the furore over at Hodinkee regarding AP's latest releases:

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/co...ucing#comments

Geez.

[Carondelet]

Originally Posted by exador

You should see the furore over at Hodinkee regarding AP's latest releases:

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/co...ucing#comments

I hate to sound negative...but it really looks like they are making Skagen homage designs. They're not ugly but they look like Skagen's.

[BT1985]

Originally Posted by Carondelet

I hate to sound negative...but it really looks like they are making Skagen homage designs. They're not ugly but they look like Skagen's.

I wanted to dismiss this comment but I just looked at Skagens website and you aren’t wrong...


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[Carondelet]

Originally Posted by BT1985

I wanted to dismiss this comment but I just looked at Skagens website and you aren’t wrong...


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Right! I'm not being petty, so I really hope I didn't come across that way - and if I did I want to apologize as it is not my intention! I just really think they look like Skagen designs.

Skagen designs are beautiful, IMHO

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by BT1985

I wanted to dismiss this comment but I just looked at Skagens website and you aren’t wrong...


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I've owned a couple of Skagens in the past. No resemblance to APs.

[Thuilln]

Originally Posted by exador

You should see the furore over at Hodinkee regarding AP's latest releases:

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/co...ucing#comments

Pure madness for douchebags.

Back to VC, I wouldn’t mind owning a vintage 222. Those are nice watches.

[Etschell]

My style is not VC, ap or pp. They are too sophisticated for me. I prefer rolex tudor or omega to all three of those brands. I would buy a nautilus or royal oak. But not for the prices they want now.

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by Etschell

My style is not VC, ap or pp. They are too sophisticated for me. I prefer rolex tudor or omega to all three of those brands. I would buy a nautilus or royal oak. But not for the prices they want now.

That pretty much sums up my take, as well. I've always wondered why the haute horologie brands leave me cold, and why I'm more drawn to "middle class" luxury brands like Rolex, Panerai and Breitling. Maybe my tastes just aren't sophisticated enough, either. Whatever...that leaves me better off. For once my preferences don't gravitate toward the most expensive thing in the world.

Like you, I like the Nautilus and RO alright - and I'll add VC Overseas - but not for the asking price.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by JacksonStone

That pretty much sums up my take, as well. I've always wondered why the haute horologie brands leave me cold, and why I'm more drawn to "middle class" luxury brands like Rolex, Panerai and Breitling. Maybe my tastes just aren't sophisticated enough, either. Whatever...that leaves me better off. For once my preferences don't gravitate toward the most expensive thing in the world.

Like you, I like the Nautilus and RO alright - and I'll add VC overseas - but not for the asking price.