As you all know, Vacheron Constantin is not only one of the three brands that integrate the 'Holy Trinity of Watchmaking' but also the oldest watch manufacture in the world with an uninterrupted history that spans across almost three centuries —268 years to be precise. Therefore, a visit to the Vacheron Constantin Manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates —a municipality on the outskirts of Geneva, Switzerland— is a fascinating experience that as watch collectors and scholars, we will cherish forever.
Posts tagged #Mainstream Brands
Insider: Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracán Black DLC Titanium 45mm
Taking inspiration from the Lamborghini Huracan, the watchmakers at Roger Dubuis have developed a few incredible timepieces brimming with racing design codes from this partnership. The Roger Dubuis Excalibur Spider Huracán Black DLC Titanium with a 45mm case and its calibre RD630 with its 12-degree inclined balance wheel features a strut-bar-designed bridge recalling the ones of the V10 engine of the Lamborghini Huracán supercar.
Insider: Patek Philippe Annual Calendar ref. 5205R-011. When Green is the Color of Money.
Released earlier this year 2022, the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar ref. 5205R-011 quickly became one of the hottest watches this year and with good reason. Also available in 18K white gold with a blue dial, this annual calendar with moon phases was initially launched in 2010 in two white gold versions. The case distinguished by its concave bezel, its hollowed flanks and its skeletonized lugs, is fully Patek in shape and form.
Experience: Shanghai Tang Jade Dragon. Awakening Olfactory Travel Memories Alongside a Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time.
Wearing a Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time calls for exploration and world discoveries. We still remember like if it was yesterday the day we walked into the Shanghai Tang boutique in Kowloon during a hot and humid day in Hong Kong. If you’ve ever been to Hong Kong, the name Shanghai Tang is no stranger to you. Inspired by the Chinese cultural icons of the 1930s Bund, a glamorous time when Hong Kong was famous for its architecture, fashion, music and commercial activities, Shanghai Tang first opened in the iconic Pedder Building in Hong Kong as a unique concept store for customers looking for authentic Chinese products and bespoke tailoring.
Insider: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Ultra-Thin Skeleton Blue
The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Ultra-Thin Skeleton was first presented in 2020 with a white minute track ring and white rings around the perpetual calendar indications. Now for Watches & Wonders 2022, Vacheron Constantin brings a new iteration also cased in pink gold but with blue rings that add amazing contrast to an already very good-looking watch.
Insider: Rolex Yacht-Master 42 Yellow Gold ref. 226658
For Watches & Wonders 2022, Rolex brings a third iteration —now in yellow gold—of the Yacht-Master with an Oysterflex. The first iteration of the Yacht-Master with Oysterflex bracelet was released at Baselworld 2015 sporting an Everose Gold case and in two different sizes that included a 37 mm —perfectly sized for ladies or for men with smaller wrists— and a 40 mm one. Then for at Baselworld 2019 Rolex presented a Yacht-Master in 18K white gold with a 42 mm case. The new Rolex Yacht-Master 42 ref. 226658 in 18K yellow gold marks a new step in the Oysterflex saga and the Yacht-Master.
Insider: Girard-Perregaux Laureato Skeleton Black Ceramic. A Stealthy Very Special Timepiece.
There is no doubt that here at WCL we are huge fans of the Girard-Perregaux Laureato Skeleton in all of its different iterations. However, there is something really special about the Laureato Skeleton Black Ceramic ref. 81015-32-001-32A. While the 18K rose gold iteration of the Laureato Skeleton wins our hearts, the stealthy understated look of the black ceramic model is something we find very special.
Insider: Cartier Ronde Solo de Cartier. A lot of Watch for the Money.
Not sure if we should consider the Ronde Solo de Cartier an entry-level type of watch based on its pedigree, craftsmanship, design, and its in-house movement; however, based on its retail price it’s a very strong contender when it comes to watches priced under $4K. Available on a bracelet or leather strap, the Ronde Solo de Cartier comes in a wide variety of sizes including a 29 mm quartz model, and an automatic in 36 mm or 42 mm ref. W6701011 like the one we are reviewing.
From the Editor: Fully Stickered Rolex Watches Still Worth the Premium or the Hype?
When it comes to watch collecting, a lot has changed in the last five years. Before certain Rolex professional models became a big moneymaker for resellers and watch collectors, and before Patek Philippe and stainless steel Rolex watches became as scarce and difficult to obtain as they are today, watch collectors were buying watches just because they loved them and wanted to wear them. A little bit over two years ago, Rolex sent a letter to their authorized dealers demanding to remove all plastics —protective stickers— at the moment of purchase and that’s when the game drastically changed.
Experience: Zenith DEFY El Primero 21 Carl Cox and an Awesome EDM Playlist on Spotify
If you are into EDM, then Carl Cox’s is no stranger to you. Carl Cox was the resident DJ at Space in Ibiza for 15 years until 2016. Born in the UK he is one of the pioneers of house music along with names like Frankie Knuckles better known as ‘The Godfather of House Music’, David Morales and Paul Oakenfold. If you want to see how everything started when it comes to EDM, you must watch the documentary ‘What We Started’ on Netflix. Additionally, there’s some great watch spotting on the wrists of Carl Cox, Afrojack, Steve Angello, Tiësto and others.
Eye Candy: Chopard L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of 'La Santa Muerte' Unique Piece. Celebrating 'Día de los Muertos'.
To celebrate the Mexican holiday of ‘Día de los Muertos’ —the Day of the Dead— which is celebrated throughout Mexico today November 2nd, we bring you the Chopard unique piece L.U.C Perpetual T Spirit of 'La Santa Muerte'. This unique piece cased in a 43 mm rose gold case is fully hand-engraved with motifs related to this Mexican holiday.
Insider: IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition Racing Green. Hands-on Review with Live Pictures.
The IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar comes in many different editions and the Edition Racing Green along with the Ceratanium one are the latest limited editions released by the brand. The new Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Edition Racing Green comes in a limited edition of 250 pieces and without a doubt it is one of the coolest and sportiest perpetual calendars out there. This new edition takes its name from the striking racing green hue of its dial. Cased in a 46.5 mm black ceramic case, this new watch offers an unparalleled color combination with an incredible level of contrast between its green dial and the black ceramic case.
Eye Candy: A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph in 18K Pink Gold
Endowed with column-wheel mechanism, a flyback function and a pulsometer scale, the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph is a favorite here at WCL. This chronograph is the perfect choice for purists in search of a technically flawless stopwatch that is reduced to the quintessential functions. The slender chronograph sweep seconds hand is activated with a pusher at 2 o’clock and measures down to one-fifth of a second.
From the Editor: Why is the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar Not More Popular?
When the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar was presented at the SIHH 2019 I was quite impressed by it, but unfortunately I didn’t get to spend much time with it back then. Later that year, I got to peruse the watch a second time and it continued to grow on me. Then, recently, I ran into a collector who was wearing one and I thought I should talk more about it because I still can’t understand why this watch is not more popular.
From the Archives: Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph ref. 5905P
Released in 2015, the Patek Philippe Annual Calendar Chronograph ref. 5905P in platinum quickly became one of the hottest watches and a grail watch for many. Available in two dial variations —blue or black—this is a perfectly designed Patek featuring a solid platinum case —with a total weight of 130.3 grams to be precise— that even at 42 mm in diameter, it’s not too big nor too small. As far as its complications, the Patek Philippe ref. 5905P is equipped with an annual calendar and a 60-minute chronograph. Even though the annual calendar automatically takes into account the differing lengths of individual months it is still unable to factor in the differing length of the month of February or the leap years like a Perpetual Calendar would.
Experience: Richard Mille RM11-01 Roberto Mancini. Perfect Watch to Wear During the UEFA EURO 2020 Final.
If you are a soccer fan, the Richard Mille RM11-01 Roberto Mancini needs no introduction. Released a number of years ago and now totally sold out, this is one of our favorite RM watches out there. Now that Italy will be playing the final match against England or Denmark at the UEFA Euro 2020 Cup, the RM Mancini could be the perfect companion to watch the final match on Sunday July 11, 2021.
Insider: Patek Philippe Minute Repeaters. History, Explanation and 10 Facts You Need to Know About Them.
The history of Patek Philippe and Minute Repeaters is a long one. A couple of years ago, we had the opportunity to participate in the Minute Repeater Training and Sound Tasting class at Patek Philippe in New York City. For those of you wondering if Patek invented the Minute Repeater, the answer is no. It was Daniel Quare who invented the repetition mechanism in 1680; however, when it comes to Minute Repeaters, we all have to agree that no one other than Patek Philippe makes the most classical, elegant and perfect sounding timepieces equipped with the king of all complications.
News: Presenting the Chopard L.U.C Qualité Fleurier Jubilee. First Stainless Steel Piece in the L.U.C Collection.
Released on the cusp of the Chopard Manufacture's 25th anniversary, the brand is presenting the L.U.C QF Jubilee limited edition. This 25-piece limited edition sums up the three core values of the L.U.C collection, namely technical performance, aesthetic refinement and an enduring attachment to certified watchmaking. This is the first L.U.C stainless steel timepiece with Fleurier Quality Foundation certification
From the Editor: The Patek Philippe Nautilus 5990/1A is now a Highly Coveted Six-Figure Watch. How Much Higher will it Get?
The Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time Chronograph ref. 5990/1A was released back in 2014 and since then it’s been one of my favorite Nautilus references. It brings the best in design and functionality by combining a Travel Time function that indicates the time in two different time zones with a 60-minute chronograph and a date indicator. With a retail price right under $60K at $59,140 USD, this is another one of those Pateks that has gone out of control in the secondary market.
News: Piaget Polo Skeleton in Blue and Slate Grey
There are few finer expressions of horological art than that of ‘skeletonization’ which is the intricate reduction of dials and movements to their bare minimum in order to reveal the true, beating heart of a watch in all its mechanical glory. Creating a skeleton watch requires vision, confidence, time, and the considerable skill and experience of numerous specialists.
