Just an update to this post since it's been quiet. Here's my journey to my next watch purchase. I can't recall if I've posted in this forum.
I was back at Old Bond Street looking for a dress watch early this year before the lockdown. I was getting a bit tired of sports models now and I much preferred simpler and elegant dials these days. And yes, I've set my mind on a rose/pink gold watch. I considered white gold but then it reminds me too much of a stainless steel watch. If I wanted discreet I'll just get a SS watch instead, and if I wanted a gold watch....well I want it to be 'gold'
Also I guess it's how you wear it too.
What could be worst when A.Lange and Vacheron Constantin boutique is literally next to each other.
I had a look and considered the Lange Big Date and the rare 25pcs Wempe UpDown in blue dial. I was tempted to purchase the UpDown but not sure if I would grow tired of it in a few years. I know there's the white dial and I bet some of you will be screaming "get the Lange' lol. Somehow my heart still skips a few heartbeats with the Vacheron. The Lange is a bit too utilitarian for me although the finishing is impeccable. Maybe next time ...
And of course I was also comparing both the Traditionnelle Ref: 82172 plain dial and the Boutique Guilloche dial Ref: 82172/000R-9888. Naturally what sold to me was the guilloche dial, it is still hand-turned using traditional methods on the 18k gold face. I could almost get lost staring into the repetitious pattern. At 38mm and 7.7mm in thickness, it fits my slim wrist perfectly. Being a boutique model it tipped the scale slightly for me as it's probably less common with a handcrafted dial. I've been told that it has now been discontinued and I bought the last piece that's available at the VC Bond Street Boutique.
Months prior to the purchase, I've been invited by VC to their watchmaking event which was quite an experience for me. The afternoon tea was generous whilst we handled minute repeaters, tourbillions, perpetual calendars, etc.
It's hard to imagine how small some of the parts in the movement especially when having to put the screws back on. It could easily have flown across the room, let alone having to polish them.
Marked up movement as it's been handled by so many guests
and of course, the nice thing about purchasing at boutiques are some of the gifts. Got given 2 bottles of Louis Roederer, a nice leather VC notebook, VC books, VC gloves, Fortnum & Mason chocolates etc. to the detriment of my bank account lol.
TBH, the VC boutique has been most welcoming, friendly, and accomodating throughout. They've recently sent me some extra gifts during lockdown which was a nice surprise and gesture. VC wins it for me this time.
I hope you enjoyed the journey as I did and feel free to post to this thread.
