Vacheron Constantin, founded in 1755, and Breguet, founded in 1775, are two brands that boast a long tradition and outstanding craftsmanship. In this article, we will introduce the most representative collections from Vacheron Constantin and Breguet, along with their release years, their features, and the inventory at Commit Ginza. Please read to the end.
[1] Historiques
First introduced: 1996
Inspired by the Vacheron Constantin archives, the Historiques collection refines past masterpieces with modern technology and style. This is a series for connoisseurs who want to enjoy classical design.
Many of the watches have original designs that make you feel at first glance that they are no ordinary piece, and they capture the hearts of watch fans.
Features : - Archived vintage models brought back to life - Unique designs and details not found in current models - Many limited editions, making them highly rare
Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 Ref.5000H/000A-B582
Basic specifications Case size: 38.5mm
Case material: Stainless steel Dial color: Silver Movement: Manual winding Cal.1142
Power reserve: Approximately 48 hours Water resistance: 3 ATM
This model pays homage to Vacheron Constantin's first waterproof chronograph, the Ref. 6087, which was released in 1955. The distinctive "cornes de vache" shaped lugs are the design accent. The 38.5mm stainless steel case is equipped with the hand-wound movement Cal. 1142, combining classical beauty with modern performance.
Historique Triple Calendar 1942 Ref.3110V/000A-B426
Basic specifications Case size: 40.0mm
Case material: Stainless steel Dial color: Champagne Movement: Manual winding Cal.4400QC
Power reserve: Approximately 65 hours Water resistance: 3 ATM
This model is a modern reinterpretation of the 1942 "Ref. 4240" and features a 40mm stainless steel case. It has a triple calendar function, including a day and month display, a date pointer, and a small second at 6 o'clock. It is equipped with a hand-wound movement "Cal. 4400 QC" and has a power reserve of approximately 65 hours.
[2] Overseas
Launched: 1996 (current third generation from 2016)
Vacheron Constantin's sporty collection with a "travel" theme. As a prestigious luxury sports watch, it is renowned alongside Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak and Patek Philippe's Nautilus.
The hexagonal bezel is inspired by the Maltese cross, and the watch is designed to be practical as well as aesthetically pleasing, with features such as a system for easily changing bracelets and straps and water resistance to 150m.
Features : Sporty yet elegant design, anti-magnetic, water resistant to 150m, interchangeable straps, current model equipped with in-house movement
Overseas Automatic Ref.4520V/210A-B128
Basic specifications Case size: 41.0mm
Case material: Stainless steel Dial color: Blue Movement: Automatic Cal.5100
Power reserve: Approximately 60 hours Waterproof performance: 15 ATM
This stainless steel model, designed for an active lifestyle, is fitted with an automatic movement in a 41mm case. It features a 22K gold wind rose rotor, paying homage to travel. The bezel and bracelet design, modelled after the Maltese cross, emphasises the brand's identity.
Overseas Chronograph Ref.5520V/210A-B686
Basic specifications Case size: 42.5mm
Case material: Stainless steel Dial color: Silver Movement: Automatic Cal.5200
Power reserve: Approximately 52 hours Waterproof performance: 15 ATM
This stainless steel chronograph model is elegant yet casual in its appeal. It features a 42.5mm case, a silver dial and black counters, enhancing visibility and originality. The see-through case back allows you to see the rotor, which resembles a wind rose made of 22K gold.
Overseas Extra-Thin Perpetual Calendar Ref.4300V/220G-B945
Basic specifications Case size: 41.5mm
Case material: 18K white gold Dial color: Blue Movement: Automatic Cal.1120/3 QP/1
Power reserve: Approximately 40 hours Water resistance: 5 ATM
This model features an ultra-thin perpetual calendar with a thickness of 8.1 mm in an 18K white gold case. It features a moon phase display and starry sky decoration, fusing sporty aesthetics with the complications of fine watchmaking. Three easily interchangeable straps (leather, rubber and white gold) allow you to customize it to suit any occasion.
[3] Traditional
Appearance: 2007
As the name suggests, the Traditional collection is a collection that conveys Vacheron Constantin's traditional watchmaking to the modern era. While it is equipped with a high-end mechanical movement that has earned the Geneva Seal, it also has the appeal of being a dress watch.
The case is simple and round, and the dial is lavishly filled with classic details such as railway minutes and dauphine hands.
Features : Classic style with a wide range of high-complication models. Beautiful hand-finished finish.
Traditional Complete Calendar Ref.4010T/000G-B740
Basic specifications Case size: 41.0mm
Case material: 18K white gold Dial color: Gray Movement: Automatic Cal.2460 QCL/1
Power reserve: Approximately 40 hours Water resistance: 3 ATM
This watch has a classic design and a complete calendar with date, day, month and moon phase. The 41mm 18K white gold case and slate gray dial create an elegant look. The moon phase boasts high accuracy without the need for adjustment for 122 years.
[4] Fiftysix
Appearance: 2018
A collection that combines classic and modern design, proposed by Vacheron Constantin for young people and new users. The 1956 "Ref. 6073" has been reconstructed in a modern style, combining a retro feel with modern ease of use.
This series is popular as the first Vacheron, incorporating casual elements not previously seen in Vacheron Constantin watches, such as the lug shape of the case and Arabic numeral indexes.
Features : A fusion of classic and modern design. A 4-lug structure inspired by the Maltese cross. Costs are adjusted by using in-house and third-party movements.
Fiftysix Automatic Ref.4600E/000R-B576
Basic specifications Case size: 40.0mm
Case material: 18K pink gold Dial color: Brown Movement: Automatic Cal.1326
Power reserve: Approximately 48 hours Water resistance: 3 ATM
Inspired by the 1956 model, this watch features a design that combines retro and modern elements. The 40mm 18K pink gold case, sepia brown dial and calfskin strap create a vintage feel. Equipped with the automatic movement "Cal.1326", the rotor made of 22K pink gold shines beautifully.
[1] Classic
Appeared: Mid 1980s
The "Classique" collection is a collection that can be said to be the "mainstream" of Breguet, strongly inheriting the watch philosophy and aesthetics of Abraham-Louis Breguet. Each watch, which follows traditional style while being finished with modern advanced technology, is truly a work of art.
Features : Guilloche dial, Breguet hands, Breguet numerals, and other traditional designs, coin edge, and a see-through case back to allow you to enjoy the beautiful movement.
Classic Power Reserve Jubilee 220th Anniversary Limited Edition Ref.3380BA/15/286
Basic specifications Case size: 35.0mm
Case material: 18K yellow gold Dial color: Silver Movement: Manual winding Power reserve: --
Waterproof performance:--
[2] Aéronavale (Type XX)
Released: 1995 (civilian reprint)
The Aeronavale has its roots in the Type XX, which was manufactured for the French Navy Air Force in the 1950s. Although it is a reproduction of a military pilot chronograph, it has the dignified finish that is characteristic of Breguet, and is elegant without being too sporty.
Features : Flyback chronograph with rotating bezel; Vintage Arabic numerals and large hands; Water resistant to 100m, stainless steel case; Military-style dial layout with high visibility
Aeronavale Flyback Chronograph Ref.3800ST/92/3W6
Basic specifications Case size: 39.5mm
Case material: Stainless steel Dial color: Black Movement: Automatic Cal.582
Power reserve: Approximately 48 hours Water resistance: 10 ATM
The Breguet Type XX series has its roots in the military chronographs produced for the French Navy Air Force in the 1950s. This model follows the historical design while incorporating modern functions.
Combining a classic pilot watch design with practical chronograph functions, it is suitable for a wide range of occasions, from everyday use to formal occasions.
[3] Transatlantique (Type XXI)
First introduced: 1998
The Transatlantic is a more modern and sporty evolution of the Aeronavale. It is classified as Type 21 (XXI) and has more volume in terms of size and functionality. It is designed for everyday use with features such as a date display and large size.
Features : Flyback chronograph + 24 hour display, date display, rotating bezel, sporty yet elegant
Type XXI Ref.3810BR/92/9ZU
Basic specifications Case size: 42.0mm
Case material: 18K rose gold Dial color: Brown Movement: Automatic Power reserve: --
Waterproof performance: 10 ATM
The Type XXI is a further evolution of the Type XX series, featuring modern design and high functionality.
With its luxurious rose gold case and multifunctional chronograph, this timepiece combines sportiness and elegance.
[4] Marine
Launched: 1990 (first generation) / current design from 2018 onwards
The Marine collection originates from Breguet's appointment as the official watchmaker for the French Navy in the late 18th century. It has established a unique position as a luxury marine watch that combines classic decoration with modern sportiness.
Features : A modern coin-edged case; A guilloche dial with a wave motif; Rubber strap and metal bracelet available; In-house high-performance movement
Marine II Large Date Ref.5817ST/12/SV0
Basic specifications Case size: 39.0mm
Case material: Stainless steel Dial color: Silver Movement: Automatic Power reserve: Approximately 65 hours Water resistance: 10 ATM
With its classic design and practical big date function, this model is suitable for a wide range of occasions, from business to casual.
Marine Chronograph Ref.5527BR/12/5WV
Basic specifications Case size: 42.3mm
Case material: 18K rose gold Dial color: Silver Movement: Automatic Cal.582QA
Power reserve: Approximately 48 hours Water resistance: 10 ATM
A sporty model with chronograph functionality from the Marine collection.
This watch combines a luxurious rose gold case with sporty chronograph functionality, making it an attractive piece with a sophisticated design.
summary
Vacheron Constantin and Breguet are both prestigious brands with long histories that have shaped the history of watches, but each has their own unique way of expressing themselves.
Vacheron Constantin combines tradition and innovation with the reissue of the archives represented by the Historiques, the neat classic style shown in the Traditional and Fiftysix, and the modern sports elegance of the Overseas. Each collection has beautiful details and highly refined movements, giving it a high-quality, adult-like elegance.
On the other hand, Breguet is the very essence of traditional craftsmanship, inheriting the many innovations established by its founder, Abraham-Louis Breguet, to the present day. The Classique series inherits traditional designs such as artistic guilloche engraving and Breguet hands, while the Aeronavale and Marine series have practical functions rooted in military and maritime history, while retaining the elegance unique to Breguet.
Both brands are not just mechanical watches, but also have the appeal of being "works" that contain stories and philosophies. They have passion in their formal beauty and the pinnacle of technology that has been thoroughly refined even in the invisible parts. Vacheron Constantin and Breguet are truly special and worthy of the wrists of those who know the real thing.
Why not try adding one to your collection?