[Manga Documentary]
The aesthetics of choosing Vacheron Constantin for the world's oldest aristocrat

Characters:
Kenji (right) : I already own two of the three great watches: Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. I'm still undecided about which of the three is the "Unjo" model.
Bar owner (left) : Owner of the Ginza bar "Chronos." A history nerd.

1. The cloud-top "third place"?

A magazine was placed on the table. It featured a special on the "Three Great Clocks of the World." Kenji was looking at it with a slightly cold look in his eyes.
Kenji
Master, let me be honest.
They say it's one of the "three greatest watches in the world," but isn't Vacheron Constantin a little plain?
Compared to the king of Patek Philippe and the sports luxury brand Audemars Piguet, it always seems like a "permanent third place."
Shop owner
...Third place, huh?
Kenji-sama, that's a big misunderstanding. They are not third.
They are the "origin."
Digging Deep: The World's Oldest History

Let's compare the founding years of the world's three greatest watch brands.

  • Patek Philippe: Founded in 1839
  • Audemars Piguet: Founded in 1875
  • Vacheron Constantin: Founded in 1755

Vacheron Constantin has a history that is nearly 100 years longer than the other two brands. It is also one of the oldest watch brands in the world, having been in continuous operation since its founding. They were making time even before Napoleon rose to power.

2. Maltese Cross Oath

The image of 18th century Europe and the Vacheron logo, the Maltese Cross, create a sense of the weight of history.
Kenji
1755...?! In Japan, that would be the Edo period.
So they survived the French Revolution and two world wars?
Shop owner
That's right. That's why Vacheron Constantin watches have a "good upbringing."
If Patek Philippe is "assets," Audemars Piguet is "avant-garde," and Vacheron Constantin is "history."
Look at this "Maltese Cross" logo. This was once a part that prevented the mainspring from being overwound.

3. Overseas: The Traveling Aristocrat

Shop owner
Now let's take a look at the real thing.
The Overseas is a masterpiece of a high-end sports watch.
The blue dial of the Overseas. The shining bezel. The background image evokes the sea and travel.
Kenji
(Inner voice)
Beautiful.... It doesn't have the same "powerful presence" as the Nautilus or Royal Oak.
But is it the bezel that resembles a Maltese cross? The light reflections are complex and endlessly elegant.
Kenji
It's certainly beautiful, but Master, isn't toughness important for a sports watch?
Is this delicate-looking watch suitable for everyday use?

4. Magical "Transformation"

Shop owner
It's impressive that you noticed that. In fact, this watch may be the most practical sky watch in the world .
Kenji-sama, please click here.
A watch strap is being replaced. It snaps off without any tools. There are three types of straps: metal, leather, and rubber.
Kenji
What!? The bracelet came off without any tools!?
What's more, does it come with a leather strap and a rubber strap?
Shop owner
It's an "interchangeable system."
Wear a bracelet with a suit on weekdays, go to the beach in rubber on weekends, or wear leather for a chic dinner look.
A single watch that can perform three functions. This is the ultimate functional beauty for the modern jet-setter (traveling aristocrat).

5. Epilogue: The pinnacle of modesty

Kenji
(Inner voice)
There's no need for a status as obvious as Patek Philippe.
There's no need for a statement as sharp as Audemars Piguet.
Maybe this "leisure" was what I wanted.
Kenji
Master, I'm sorry for calling you "third." This is "first," something only those who understand will understand.
Shop owner
Thank you. I am very happy that you have discovered the appeal of Vacheron Constantin.

Kenji is relaxing in an airport lounge wearing his Overseas watch (with a rubber strap).
Conclusion: Who Should Choose Vacheron Constantin?

Of the three major watch brands, Vacheron Constantin is the one that most values ​​"artistic quality" and "craftsmanship."

  • History lovers: They buy into the romance of over 260 years of uninterrupted history.
  • Understated luxury: Perfect for executives who find a Patek Philippe (Nautilus) too flashy.
  • Practicality: The Overseas' strap change system is one of the most convenient in the luxury watch world.

As the brand slogan states, "One of not many," this watch is perfect for the solitary gentleman who dislikes joining a crowd.

監修者のプロフィール

コミット銀座のロゴ

コミット銀座

2015年の会社設立以来、"高く買い、安く売る"をモットーに、顧客第一主義を徹底。価格面におけるメリットのみならず、お客様が安心して買い物出来る環境づくり、お客様に最適な時計の提案も実現。
徐々にお客様からの信頼も得て、多くの顧客様を抱えることに成功。高い知識を要するヴィンテージロレックスや、パテックフィリップを始めとするハイエンド商材の取り扱いを得意とする、新進気鋭の高級腕時計専門店。

時事ニュース