Vacheron Constantine Fifty Six Complete Calendar
1st Post...
I've really enjoyed lurking and learning from those of you who are active on WC. I wanted to reach out and ping the group for thoughts and suggestions....
I set out a few months back to get a watch that contains a moon phase and annual calendar complication(s) and since then have spent some time researching/evaluating what is currently on the market. That's when I stumbled upon the Vacheron Constantine Fifty Six Complete Calendar.... what a stunning watch. Everything about this watch meshed with the vision of the watch I was looking for when I started searching months ago.
While I would love to go and register my interest in this piece at a local shop, the problem (always the problem) comes down to price. I don't currently have the funds to afford such a watch. This is why I'm currently reaching out to you fine folks. With a moderate budget of ~$6500 USD what other options come to mind? Please let me know your thoughts or suggestions.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!
Cheers-
-CP
Tell me about your moonphase....
I guess Longines comes to mind for new. If you've open to pre-owned/vintage/neo-vintage, then JLC, Blancpain, Movado and Zenith might be able to offer something for you.
Here's one that's on eBay from JLC that gets close to your requirements. Hard to get to the $6,500 range without moving down to Frederique Constant or similar brands.
JAEGER LeCOULTRE Stainless Steel Master Control Calendar Warranty 176.8.12 BOX | eBay
Looks like they have a Make Offer button - if it was me and I liked the watch, I would put in a gamble offer of $6,500 and see if they took it. No harm no foul if they decline. Also, eBay has a great guarantee of authenticity program know where they check the watch before it's sent to you. They have done a great job for me on past purchases.
For my money, if you can get the JLC that @ChronoGuy mentioned at $6500 (or even a bit above that), it's the winner by far. Its beautiful and has some serious horological chops. And, without knowing anything about your wrist size, at 40mm x 11mm x 47mm it will almost certainly be perfectly sized.
The only one I would add is the Girard-Perregaux 1966 Full Calendar in steel. I think it's a very handsome watch and similarly sized to the JLC (with a shorter lug to lug if I'm not mistaken).
https://www.ebay.com/itm/275138920100?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=DdlzK-C_SE-&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=--xmsxmjtno&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Watchbox is selling a version for $6500 on eBay that is still under warranty.
For my money, if you can get the JLC that @ChronoGuy mentioned at $6500 (or even a bit above that), it's the winner by far. Its beautiful and has some serious horological chops. And, without knowing anything about your wrist size, at 40mm x 11mm x 47mm it will almost certainly be perfectly sized.
The only one I would add is the Girard-Perregaux 1966 Full Calendar in steel. I think it's a very handsome watch and similarly sized to the JLC (with a shorter lug to lug if I'm not mistaken).
https://www.ebay.com/itm/275138920100?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=DdlzK-C_SE-&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=--xmsxmjtno&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Watchbox is selling a version for $6500 on eBay that is still under warranty.
That is a fantastic watch! Looks great and Watchbox is a great dealer have purchased many watches from them.
CP, you have excellent taste. The Crunchers have done well with finding offerings from three high horology Swiss brands. I would proudly wear any of them.
That is a fantastic watch! Looks great and Watchbox is a great dealer have purchased many watches from them.
The GP is nice (and at the price, a bargain) but the JLC's dial layout is just so awesome. Small seconds, pointer date. Its such an elegant execution of a complete calendar.
It's a little clunkier and busier but maybe
https://www.watchcrunch.com/Notawatchsnob/posts/anyone-heard-of-this-brand-14521
i would look into some of the JLC. Some have the same aesthetic as the VC.
At this budget, it’s really down to personal preference, and whatever subjective criteria you want to add into the mix that we cannot really help you with. You want prestige, then yes, the VC or JLC mentioned would get you that. You could go left of centre and pick something you like, but there is no real point in just throwing watches and brands at you, this will get tedious and is counterproductive. You could look at vintage, but vintage complications will require more servicing and parts are dwindling, so don’t. My view is that you should just browse the net for ideas but actually pound the pavement and go check out as many places that you find on your travels; have no preconceptions and just enjoy the journey.
Thank you everyone who helped out. This is exactly why I reached out. I think I'm going to save a bit more and look at some used JLC offerings. Their stainless steel offerings seem like a very nice place to start. Have a great week!
Cheers!
CP
Welcome To the Crunch!