The Maison Vacheron Constantin on the Quai de l'Ile in Geneva now offers something no other watch brand does: vintage time pieces.
A selection of carefully chosen timepieces will be on sale presented in Vacheron Constantin cases, come fully serviced with a certificate of authenticity and of course with a one year guarantee.
This message has been edited by argg on Nov 29, 2006 8:27 AM
a brand exec once told me these frightful words...
November 29 2006, 4:29 AM
"Brands are interested in their historic pieces only at anniversaries"!! I guess this doesn't apply for VC, they have the parts and expertise to restore aboslutely evey vintage piece they produced and if they do not have the parts they will specially make them!
To make these pieces, as restored by VC, available to collectors is a very admirable move.
Such a great idea on the part of VC to institutionalize collectibility through the restoration and reoffer of vintage timepieces to collectors. The prices will likely be high, but I find this much more palatable than other actions that VC might have taken to bolster collectibility of its pieces, such as active participation in the auction market (but who knows, maybe VC is doing that as well). In any event, Bravo VC!
Great move! Now if only they moved the maison to my neighborhood...
November 29 2006, 2:07 PM
It is good to have an "official" source of vintage pieces aside from the auction houses. I can imagine that the case and servicing will come at a premium, but the peace of mind, knowing that you are getting the real thing in serviced condition from VC itself, should ease the pain.
It is just unfortunate, as Rei lamented, that such pieces will only be available at the Maison. It would be nice if the pieces could be viewed on-line and purchased through appointed VC outlets worldwide. I am just beginning to get a better appreciation of the vintage VC pieces and, for a newbie like myself, this could be the "safest" way to get one.
BTW, that vintage Toledo is really beautiful. I have it's WG re-edition on my wrist right now, but for all its beauty, the vintage piece still has a charm that can't be beat. Thanks for posting it Alex.
and request a specific reference if I were having trouble getting it through other channels. This service would certainly be worth a premium to me (especially with a freshly serviced watch and a certificate of authenticity).
Great business move by VC too (Why should the auction houses be the only ones to get a 30% gross margin?)
What a brililiant idea. I wish PP would offera similar service.
November 30 2006, 11:42 PM
Pity that we cannot see what is available online. I would certainly be very comfortable oredering a specific watch from them
Oh well -trip to Geneva may be on the cards
Julian
