This is why I keep questioning why Audemars Piguet is still considered part of the "Holy Trinity". Patek and Vacheron both showcase the best of Swiss watchmaking that honours past traditions as well as forward thinking. Audemars, on the other hand, has the Royal Oak and... well, basically that's all they've got.
Audemars Piguet are far deeper than "just" the Royal Oak name. Sure, AP relies heavily on the RO design but you have to remember what AP can do with the RO - simple date models to chronographs, annual calendars, perpetual calendars, minute repeaters, grand sonneries, tourbillons, wandering hours, as well as exotic materials in ceramic watches, skeleton watches, extreme royal oak concepts. Not to mention AP recently made one of the most complicated wristwatches of all time in the code11 Universalle with 23 complications and 40 functions. AND they own mega high end complications supplier - Renaud et Papi, who previously worked with and basically trained Robert Greubal and Stephen Forsey, as well as the Gronefeld brothers, Peter Speak-Marin, who have all gone on to found their own mega high end Independent brands. Oh, they also part own Richard Mille and are fully independent and are still run by the original founding families - Audemars and Piguet. The argument that AP doesn't belong in the trinity is a moot point if you know the true ability of AP. Do you have a bit more respect for AP now yeh?
TBH I don't mind swapping out AP with JLC. Lately all AP has been doing is appealing to the wall st/hoodrat demographics with their bedazzled royal oaks. Sure the watches are fine but what have they done lately for horology other than further elevating its luxury status? Genuine question.
@@jerrybronham JLC are capable of trinity status but Richemont have clipped their wings in the last decade - their halo watches are awesome but their mainstream watches have been boring, repetitive and frankly poorly finished. As for AP - Google the Code 11.59 Universalle. And read about Audemars Piguet and Renaud et Papi.
@@A.T.148-Scot-HKI agree with everything you said. I feel like vacheron Constantin not having this „one“ watch like a royal oak or a nautilus is actually good for them. They have the overseas, patrimony, the 222… they don’t rely that heavily on one design which makes the brand appear more versatile.
I remember I was about 12 when I saw this watch on the back of a magazine when it was released. It was around this time I started taking notice in watches, and when I saw it I was completely in awe. It was one of the pieces that inspired me to pursue this passion
7:58 -- it doesn't look like the hour hand would clear the engraved cross that's sitting proud of the face. It almost looks like it's resting against the face. I know you said this one came from the museum. I wonder if it's actually operable at the moment.
I had the chance to work for Vacheron as the agency working on the design and realisation of the VC Tivoli for the unveilling of the 57260 at the Watches & Wonders in Hong Kong in 2015. Incredible piece and amazing experience with the staff at VC that was passionate about their brand. 57 complications
Citizen's chronomaster paper dial looks like the Grand Seiko Snowflake, but it is 38mm and doesn't have the power indicator screwing up the aesthetics. It is also one of the most accurate watches ever made. It's quartz and costs $2,500, but if I win the lottery then there is a handful of watches I'd buy, and this is one them.
It's an incredible watch. But for me, when it comes to the ultimate complications watch, nothing beats the JLC Reverso Hybris Mechanica. It's beauty and size set it apart, meaning you can actually wear it and have it be somewhat discreet.
Ah.. my request some time back in the comments in a Watchfinder YT video that they should rummage through Vacheron Constantin's archives for the gems to show them off is coming to fruition. Thank you for this. Hoping to see more from VC's archives.
If you think that a mechanical watch is more complicated than the circuitry in quartz watch you are an antique. The manufacturing precision alone is mm vs nm
I'm more of a A. Lang & Söhne fan myself, but those are incredible pieces of watchmaking. A little ostentatious perhaps, but that is probably the French influence.
Incredible story telling, classic ! I was seeing the hands talking... I wonder why there is so much dirt inside and issues with the hands finish for such and exclusive piece
so how often does this need to be serviced? and how much does that cost? i assume this falls into the category of "if you have to ask, you cant afford it"...
Lol, maybe somebody could have dusted off the crystal before filming the watch with a super macro lens. It looks like it just came back from the Sahara.
I really doubt that the watch being presented in these macro shots is a functional watchm I really believe it's only a mockup. Proof of theory: check the position of the hour hand in relation to the dial plane at 3:51 . In this height above the dial, the hour hand wouldn't be able to pass the malteser cross badge ro its left...!
I loved this video. This isn’t only an ode to one of the world’s best watch brands and one of its best watches. It’s a reminder that this channel can still tap into what it used to do best. Make wonderful videos about outstanding watches. Thank you for this. Stories like this make this channel/you great
I love your dives into history, thank you! would you mind appending some references for those who are interested in digging deeper and reading further?
Somehow I've been watching all of this channel's posts lately. The introduction to the history of Swiss watchmaking is wonderfully told with a little tongue in cheek. And of course the watch is fantastic. Great work! 👍
The Grandmaster Chime is the most complicated Patek Philippe wristwatch ever made. It has twenty complications, a reversible case and two independent dials.
But at the time in 2005, it didn't exist and the Sky Moon was the most complicated Patek wrist watch. Although the Henry Graves pocket watch was more complicated than either.
Amazing as this watch is, I think the Patek Philippe ref 5175 is still one step up, with its 20 complications and 1,366 parts. Not to mention that utterly jaw dropping hand engraved case.
15 made and for sure more than half sitting in Russia, Saudi Arabia and the Emirates with people who rarely look at them, let alone understand what a masterpiece their I’ll-gotten gains bought them.
Am I the only person who thinks all the static pictures do absolutely no justice to the piece? I keep waiting at least to see the tourbillon move, end up disappointed
*skipping all the obvious panegyric* ...but I don't know if I'm ruined by all the attention to Grand Seiko detail. I really don't think this watch do well under magnification. There were many ragged edges and other flaws I couldn't unnotice. A Rolls Royce with a shoddy paintjob and random panel gaps is a strange product. Hmmm...
Listen I collect watches for over 20 years and two years ago I sold them all except 3 watches and to be honest I am glad I did it,for all watch lovers who gonna read my text I suggest you to buy silver,gold watches are luxury they are not investment I did good selling my watches and after that I felt free of that addiction,now I have a Tudor,Union Glashutte and Stowa I was gonna sell them as well but didn’t get what I wanted to get for them so if you love watches buy only one or two wear them a lot and when you get tired sell them and buy others
Calvin, watch making and presbyterian together form today’s Geneva. This history is a hidden gems that most watch collectors don’t know. By the way, I am a presbyterian as well and I know that a watch is a world created by man just like a man is created by God. Both creations are wonderful and amazing.
Not sure how the 16 Complications makes this the most complicated wristwatch in the world. It's literally 20 short of the Franck Muller Aeternitas Mega that houses no fewer than 36 complications.
"More complicated than Eminem's relationship with his mother."
Lol nothing complicated about that at all
I'm not even a watch enthusiast, but he got my subscription
@@USASMR-o2cwelcome to the hobby
You will not regret your decision at all😅
Who cares about that a***le
🤣🤣🤣🤣
This is why I keep questioning why Audemars Piguet is still considered part of the "Holy Trinity". Patek and Vacheron both showcase the best of Swiss watchmaking that honours past traditions as well as forward thinking. Audemars, on the other hand, has the Royal Oak and... well, basically that's all they've got.
Audemars Piguet are far deeper than "just" the Royal Oak name. Sure, AP relies heavily on the RO design but you have to remember what AP can do with the RO - simple date models to chronographs, annual calendars, perpetual calendars, minute repeaters, grand sonneries, tourbillons, wandering hours, as well as exotic materials in ceramic watches, skeleton watches, extreme royal oak concepts.
Not to mention AP recently made one of the most complicated wristwatches of all time in the code11 Universalle with 23 complications and 40 functions.
AND they own mega high end complications supplier - Renaud et Papi, who previously worked with and basically trained Robert Greubal and Stephen Forsey, as well as the Gronefeld brothers, Peter Speak-Marin, who have all gone on to found their own mega high end Independent brands.
Oh, they also part own Richard Mille and are fully independent and are still run by the original founding families - Audemars and Piguet.
The argument that AP doesn't belong in the trinity is a moot point if you know the true ability of AP. Do you have a bit more respect for AP now yeh?
TBH I don't mind swapping out AP with JLC. Lately all AP has been doing is appealing to the wall st/hoodrat demographics with their bedazzled royal oaks. Sure the watches are fine but what have they done lately for horology other than further elevating its luxury status? Genuine question.
@@jerrybronham JLC are capable of trinity status but Richemont have clipped their wings in the last decade - their halo watches are awesome but their mainstream watches have been boring, repetitive and frankly poorly finished.
As for AP - Google the Code 11.59 Universalle. And read about Audemars Piguet and Renaud et Papi.
@@A.T.148-Scot-HKI agree with everything you said. I feel like vacheron Constantin not having this „one“ watch like a royal oak or a nautilus is actually good for them. They have the overseas, patrimony, the 222… they don’t rely that heavily on one design which makes the brand appear more versatile.
In my opinion the Holy Trinity has always been: Patek, Vacheron and JLC. Not AP.
This is why I watch this channel.
Exactly my thoughts.
A wonderful story about a wonderful watch made by a wonderful brand. Told wonderfully by a wonderful watch enthusiast.
I remember I was about 12 when I saw this watch on the back of a magazine when it was released. It was around this time I started taking notice in watches, and when I saw it I was completely in awe. It was one of the pieces that inspired me to pursue this passion
7:58 -- it doesn't look like the hour hand would clear the engraved cross that's sitting proud of the face. It almost looks like it's resting against the face. I know you said this one came from the museum. I wonder if it's actually operable at the moment.
Many thanks for a great informative video. Much respect from the UK.
I had the chance to work for Vacheron as the agency working on the design and realisation of the VC Tivoli for the unveilling of the 57260 at the Watches & Wonders in Hong Kong in 2015. Incredible piece and amazing experience with the staff at VC that was passionate about their brand.
57 complications
Citizen's chronomaster paper dial looks like the Grand Seiko Snowflake, but it is 38mm and doesn't have the power indicator screwing up the aesthetics. It is also one of the most accurate watches ever made. It's quartz and costs $2,500, but if I win the lottery then there is a handful of watches I'd buy, and this is one them.
It's an incredible watch. But for me, when it comes to the ultimate complications watch, nothing beats the JLC Reverso Hybris Mechanica. It's beauty and size set it apart, meaning you can actually wear it and have it be somewhat discreet.
If I want that many complications, I'll get married again.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Brilliant!
'A second marriage is a triumph of hope over experience.'
Ah.. my request some time back in the comments in a Watchfinder YT video that they should rummage through Vacheron Constantin's archives for the gems to show them off is coming to fruition. Thank you for this. Hoping to see more from VC's archives.
I think the new Holy Trinity should be: VC, Patek and JLC (my goodness their 4 face Reverso is UNBELIEVABLE!)
CONGRATULATIONS ON REACHING 1 MILLION!! HERE'S TO 1 MILLION MORE 🥳🎉
Epic timepiece and descriptive video! I cannot imagine the machinery and tools it takes to create such tiny components for this first class timepiece.
Loved seeing your face to associate with your voice and wonderful sense of humor! Thank you
I just want you to know I have gone to sleep to your voice and that is a compliment you make great content… 👏👏👏👏👏
If you think that a mechanical watch is more complicated than the circuitry in quartz watch you are an antique. The manufacturing precision alone is mm vs nm
I'm more of a A. Lang & Söhne fan myself, but those are incredible pieces of watchmaking. A little ostentatious perhaps, but that is probably the French influence.
Your story telling ability is absolute world class. Well done once again 👏👏👏
Amazing and beautiful watch!
Thanks for sharing!
At 2:35, is there a stray gold wire above the celestial representation? Looks like something got stuck on the crystal?
Such a fabulous... storyteller, watch , camera shots and general human achievement.
Great learning more about my hometown. How about a Geneva seal videos with sone watch examples???
Congratulations on your 1 million subscribers 😇 👍 Au
For years I knew your hands and voice, today I saw your face for the first time. Nice story of the Vacheron Constantin Island Tower.
Andrew you’ve sold me on this piece, I’ll take two. Just a quick question though does Watchfinder finance over 250 years? Cheers mate
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
This format of meticulously crafted story telling remains my favourite from Watchfinder. Love the fun stuff but these are the ones I come back to
What is the watch face made of ??? That off white... It's perfect.. what is that? Bone? Cloud? The textures look really nice
But how much are the service costs?
These are the reviews I like, the super complicated/expensive ones that no other channel has reviewed 🔥
Does it rotate to use the other side of the dial. What is the point otherwise
We can't find anything like this in any other channel, period.
Incredible story telling, classic ! I was seeing the hands talking... I wonder why there is so much dirt inside and issues with the hands finish for such and exclusive piece
couldnt clean the watch before the video?
Value ? Was that mentioned?
Fascinating and very well done. But I kept waiting for footage of the watch’s movement. Alas, it was all of the exterior. Surely Vacheron can help?
Imagine a smug Rolex owner thinking they have one of the best watches in the world - then they see this masterpiece! Oops!
This is definitely a watch for me. Finally I found it.
A statement piece for presentation. A form of promotion not many makers would do.
Would have absolutely loved to see what the movement looks like on the inside but I guess that's too much to ask haha
7:17 bad quality control on the hands. a lot of dust.
so how often does this need to be serviced? and how much does that cost? i assume this falls into the category of "if you have to ask, you cant afford it"...
Idk why you never showered your face. Even so, I could look forward to an obnoxiously long audio book series with your voice. Ty for your hard work.
Lol, maybe somebody could have dusted off the crystal before filming the watch with a super macro lens. It looks like it just came back from the Sahara.
At 6:30. "Not only is this watch more complicated than Eminem's relationship with his mother..." OMG! Incredible phrasing. 🤣
petition for the talking hand to make a comeback!! Like for your support y'all
I really doubt that the watch being presented in these macro shots is a functional watchm I really believe it's only a mockup. Proof of theory: check the position of the hour hand in relation to the dial plane at 3:51 . In this height above the dial, the hour hand wouldn't be able to pass the malteser cross badge ro its left...!
Thank you for the history lesson and feature ❤
Wish they went lower on complications so we could have a display case back.
That's one dirty Presentation watch.
I loved this video.
This isn’t only an ode to one of the world’s best watch brands and one of its best watches.
It’s a reminder that this channel can still tap into what it used to do best.
Make wonderful videos about outstanding watches.
Thank you for this. Stories like this make this channel/you great
Vacheron Constantin: Watches? Completed it mate
I love your dives into history, thank you! would you mind appending some references for those who are interested in digging deeper and reading further?
I'm really worried about that hour hand!
Why is there so much dust on the watch?
seems like a non working or display only piece, the hour hand is too close from the dial for it to move without hitting the hands of the subdials...
When these monsters go bad as they invariably do, getting it repaired is almost impossible as mortal watchmakers want nothing to do with them.
Somehow I've been watching all of this channel's posts lately. The introduction to the history of Swiss watchmaking is wonderfully told with a little tongue in cheek. And of course the watch is fantastic. Great work! 👍
Service cost must be near the level of buying a Richard Mille.
It must be a nightmare changing the battery on that.
Iv said it for years the VC are infact THE greatest watch brand - Rolex don’t even get close to the watch making skills of VC .
Rolex operates in a different market though, and doesn't try to compete in this arena...
The Grandmaster Chime is the most complicated Patek Philippe wristwatch ever made. It has twenty complications, a reversible case and two independent dials.
But at the time in 2005, it didn't exist and the Sky Moon was the most complicated Patek wrist watch. Although the Henry Graves pocket watch was more complicated than either.
Just me, or does the hour hand look like it will hit the second time zone hand?
Amazing as this watch is, I think the Patek Philippe ref 5175 is still one step up, with its 20 complications and 1,366 parts. Not to mention that utterly jaw dropping hand engraved case.
why isn't it running?
Great video!
Thanks for not adding "and a partridge in a pear tree" when listing all the features of the watch, I know that took restraint
Wow that is absolutely insane. VC is the gold standard
Is the watch broken?
Vacheron Constantin has the most complicated pocket watch and now they have conquered the wristwatch too , the old God wins
With all that said, the craziest thing about this watch is that the moonphase face looks like Jean-Claude Biver 👀
This is a amazing masterpiece of watchmaking ❤
Love it, thank you 🙏
He was one of those "you're all going to hell" type. Love that title!
15 made and for sure more than half sitting in Russia, Saudi Arabia and the Emirates with people who rarely look at them, let alone understand what a masterpiece their I’ll-gotten gains bought them.
Am I the only person who thinks all the static pictures do absolutely no justice to the piece? I keep waiting at least to see the tourbillon move, end up disappointed
*skipping all the obvious panegyric* ...but I don't know if I'm ruined by all the attention to Grand Seiko detail. I really don't think this watch do well under magnification. There were many ragged edges and other flaws I couldn't unnotice. A Rolls Royce with a shoddy paintjob and random panel gaps is a strange product. Hmmm...
Listen I collect watches for over 20 years and two years ago I sold them all except 3 watches and to be honest I am glad I did it,for all watch lovers who gonna read my text I suggest you to buy silver,gold watches are luxury they are not investment I did good selling my watches and after that I felt free of that addiction,now I have a Tudor,Union Glashutte and Stowa I was gonna sell them as well but didn’t get what I wanted to get for them so if you love watches buy only one or two wear them a lot and when you get tired sell them and buy others
That watch is a beast of engineering.
Calvin, watch making and presbyterian together form today’s Geneva. This history is a hidden gems that most watch collectors don’t know. By the way, I am a presbyterian as well and I know that a watch is a world created by man just like a man is created by God. Both creations are wonderful and amazing.
Calvin is wrong. We can dance if we want to.
Vacheron is indeed making Swiss watch making great again!
1st time connecting face and voice 🤣
It just needs a chronograph with a split function to really drive the point home.
This is my 3rd time watching this and I still can't quite wrap my head around everything. Here's to the 4th 🍻
Ahh, it's been some time since I visited your channel. you finally showed your face, no longer the talking hand.
Quality video👌🏽👌🏽
Not sure how the 16 Complications makes this the most complicated wristwatch in the world. It's literally 20 short of the Franck Muller Aeternitas Mega that houses no fewer than 36 complications.
2005
Nice to see you at last. Love your presentations. First class!
So you could say vacheron was predestined to come into existence and subsequently predestined to make this watch 😂
It takes eight years to train the service technician that needs to perform your five year service.
Isn't the patek philippe grandmaster chime is the most complicated watch with 20 complications?
Not in 2005
Too bad there was so much dust etc in most of the close up's...still the watch shone through it
I don’t always wear watches, but when I do, I prefer the Wasson Automatic Field Watch. Stay timely, my friends!
Thank you Andrew, brilliant story, i'll buy two.. For now i'll stick with my reliable 1976 Seiko Chronograph 👍 Au
Patek grandmaster chime has 20 though
Can I get one with a salmon dial?
Is it just me or is everyone seeing this dude’s face for the first time too?
If only humanity concentrated it's eforts in building more jams like this instead of war tools... we could have reached the stars by now.
The narrative style compares to no other........ than Jeremy Clarkson.