I really enjoy giving my opinion on this great watch (the tone is set).
Initially, I had registered on a wish list at an AD Rolex, only Rolex. By forcing a little and making a few regular phone calls to show my interest, it took me less than a year to get the famous call.
In the end, I am not disappointed. The size is perfect if like me, you have a small wrist.
We can criticize it or on the contrary love it, the Wimbledon dial is incredible and very bright.
Finally, the simplicity of the oyster bracelet and the smooth bezel allow for a more discreet and less identifiable look.

Your rolex just bling bling

This chronograph is for me a combination of wonders. It combines Japanese art with the technicality of watchmaking.
Its jade green color, which was missing from my collection, gives it a unique and singular character on the wrist.
Its small size, ideal for my small wrist, eliminates that bling bling side that can be associated with certain watches

Japanese art on the wrist

Why this original chronomaster from Zenith?
First of all, there is a great love story between Zenith and me. The movement, the different models (including the DEFY that I also own), the simplicity of the brand and the different choices in colors mean that it can only match.
After acquiring the DEFY, which absolutely won me over, I could not see myself taking another watch than Zenith. I hesitated for a long time, but the original chronomaster version was the right one.
The period during which I bought it coincided with the release of the new original chronomaster models, in particular the triple calendar, but I found the dial too loaded with information, so I chose to go for the "simple" version.
So why gold? because yes, the price is much higher than a steel version.
There are several reasons, the first is that I wanted to invest in a watch, which, moreover, I like:
- the el primero movement
- a size adapted to my wrist (not very big)
- a chronograph
- I like gold watches
- a simple bracelet, with a buckle (I like all-steel bracelets much less)

In the end, this is what allowed me, after hours of reflection, benchmarking and comparison, to choose this model.
Namely that in the competition, there was the speedmaster Moonshine gold dial, but there, it was the size of the dial (and the price) that stopped me.

Gold for the First

Announced during WW24, I knew that this reference was made for me!
To tell the truth, I wasn't looking for much, but like any watch collector, I always think about the next one, and this one was running through my head. Why? For all these reasons:
- the two-tone black and gray remains discreet but well enough done so that we can distinguish the difference
- the green GMT hand gives a little colorful note to the sober line of the watch
- the jubilee bracelet which can be bling bling on certain models here enhances the whole

In the end, it knows how to match all my clothing desires: suit or sportswear, shorts or jeans.
I agree that it is quite difficult to have, but it remains a pleasant piece to see but especially to wear

La BRUCE WAYNE

When I first went to my now regular AD, it was to see this speed (and then several others later...).
It caught my eye, and I only hesitated for 24 hours to come back and buy it...
Its dial, announced as 42mm, is not that big of a 42, due to its asymmetry, in fact, for those who, like me, have a child's wrist, this watch is more like a 39.
Its reputation is well established, it doesn't have much left to prove, but I especially appreciated its bracelet, its simple dial and its perfect lines.
For my part, I opted for the sapphire crystal, the case back allows us to see the caliber 3861 nestled inside.
For any good collector, it is a must!

The Collector's Watch

I found in this Omega everything I was looking for in a daily:
- a quality rubber strap with buckle, ideal for summer, chic for winter
- sober but contrasting colors: the white outline of the dial highlights the blue background
- a small second;
- a perfect finish
The steel case allows me to wear it as much as I want, even if I always avoid it for work.

A prestigious daily

A few years ago, I bought, second-hand, this Vacheron Constantin watch, which some will call Patrimony, others not (the Patrimony was only released in the 2000s).
It took me a while to find it because it had to have these few characteristics, which it fulfills:
- find a prestigious brand
- be a "dress watch" but vintage
- have a SIMPLE dial: hour and minutes
- possibly be in gold
In the end, I was able to find this model, at the time, at Collector Square (which I do not necessarily recommend), with a leather strap, and "revised".
In total, after a year of use, I still found myself with a few small defects to correct, while I recall, it had been revised:
- the glass ended up in my hands, the dial in the air. I managed to reclip it with my fingers, but the water resistance was not guaranteed at all
- the leather strap provided was of poor quality
Nevertheless, the mechanism worked wonderfully, with impressive precision, for this 1995 watch.

So last year I gave it a complete makeover at Vacheron Constantin, it underwent a complete overhaul, an addition of material, a polish like new, and a custom-made strap from Jean Rousseau.
In the end, today, it is the watch that makes the most sense in my collection

A heritage that is not one

It didn't take me long to decide to buy this watch.
Between neo vintage and this slightly offbeat side brought by Seconde/Seconde, this little marvel, with a meca-quartz movement, won me over.
But why then?
I found in this watch the reminder of my heart to my profession, but I loved this collaboration above all. You just have to look at all the watches that Seconde/Seconde has participated in to fall into the passion of its collaborations.
It therefore completes a collection of rather classic and traditional watches, standing out from the crowd and making me think outside the box

A favorite

Owning a Vacheron Constantin is a form of privilege; it is wearing a history, fine watchmaking and even art. 
This watch combines all of this at the same time, if not more. 

It is present on the wrist both by its weight and by its appearance, which turns the eyes of connoisseurs. 
Neither too flashy nor too common, it is the ultimate alliance of chic or classic pleasure. 

For my part, I opted for two bracelets: rubber or steel

An authentic pleasure

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Vacheron Constantin</strong>, founded in <strong>1755</strong> in Geneva, is the oldest watch manufacture in the world with uninterrupted production. Since its creation, the house has been able to combine tradition and innovation, producing watches of exceptional quality. Vacheron Constantin is recognized for its watchmaking know-how but also in all artisan craftsmanship enabling watchmaking precision to be sublimated.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">History of the Vacheron Constantin brand</h2>
<p dir="ltr">In 1755, Jean-Marc Vacheron, a Geneva watchmaker, founded his workshop. He created complicated watches, integrating mechanisms such as the calendar and minute repeater. In 1770, he designed the house's first complicated watch. In 1810, Jacques-Barth&eacute;lemy Vacheron, grandson of the founder, took over the management of the company and sought to extend the brand's presence beyond Swiss borders.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Association with Fran&ccedil;ois Constantin: 1819-1880</h2>
<p dir="ltr">In 1819, Jacques-Barth&eacute;lemy Vacheron joined forces with Fran&ccedil;ois Constantin, an experienced businessman. This collaboration gave birth to the company Vacheron &amp; Constantin. Fran&ccedil;ois Constantin, during his travels, wrote the house motto in 1819: <strong>&ldquo;Do better if possible, which is always possible&rdquo;</strong>, reflecting the brand's ongoing commitment to excellence. In 1839, Vacheron &amp; Constantin hired Georges-Auguste Leschot, a talented engineer who revolutionized watch production by introducing machines capable of standardizing watch components. His invention of the pantograph made it possible to reproduce parts with unprecedented precision, paving the way for high-quality mass production. This technical advance earned Leschot a gold medal from the Soci&eacute;t&eacute; des Arts de Gen&egrave;ve in 1844. In 1880, the house adopted the symbol of the Maltese cross as its logo, inspired by a component of the winding mechanism limiting the tension of the mainspring.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">International recognition: 1880-1960</h2>
<p dir="ltr">At the beginning of the 20th century, Vacheron &amp; Constantin continued to innovate by presenting increasingly sophisticated watches with complications. In 1906, the house opened its first boutique in Geneva, strengthening its local and international presence. In 1929, she created a pocket watch for King Fouad I of Egypt, incorporating 14 complications, testifying to her exceptional expertise. In 1955, to celebrate its bicentenary, the house presented the caliber 1003, the thinnest mechanical hand-wound movement in the world at the time, measuring just 1.64 mm thick.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">The 1960s: Innovations and Expansion</h2>
<p dir="ltr">In the 1960s, Vacheron Constantin continued to innovate in terms of design and technology. In 1965, Georges Ketterer, from the Jaeger-LeCoultre group, bought the majority of the shares of Vacheron &amp; Constantin, thus restoring complete independence to the company. This period is marked by the creation of emblematic watches, notably ultra-thin models which demonstrate the exceptional know-how of the manufacture. In 1968, the brand launched the ultra-thin automatic wristwatch, equipped with caliber 1120, a movement which attracted the attention of specialists and collectors.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">The 1970s: Quartz Crisis and Adaptation</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The 1970s were marked by the quartz crisis, a period when the Swiss watch industry faced competition from cheaper and more precise Japanese quartz watches. Vacheron Constantin, like many other watchmaking houses, must adapt to this new reality. In 1970, the company officially changed its name to Vacheron Constantin. In 1972, the brand received the &ldquo;<strong>Prestige Diploma of France&rdquo;</strong>, recognition of its excellence and know-how. In 1977, <strong>Vacheron Constantin launched the &ldquo;222&rdquo; model</strong>, a sporty steel watch with integrated bracelet, precursor to the Overseas collection.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">1980s: Ownership Changes and Renewal</h2>
<p dir="ltr">In 1987, after the death of Jacques Ketterer, Vacheron Constantin changed hands. Sheikh Ahmed Zaki Yamani, former Saudi Minister of Oil and Mineral Resources and avid watch collector, becomes the company's majority shareholder. This period is marked by a desire to preserve the brand's heritage while adapting to market developments.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">1990s: Integration into the Richemont Group</h2>
<p dir="ltr">In 1996, Vacheron Constantin joined the Swiss Richemont group, a conglomerate of luxury brands. This integration allows the manufacture to benefit from increased resources to strengthen its position in the luxury market. In 1998, <strong>Vacheron Constantin inaugurates the Vacheron Constantin Ateliers in the Vall&eacute;e de Joux</strong>, thus reinforcing its commitment to watchmaking excellence.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">2000s: Tradition and Innovation</h2>
<p dir="ltr">At the start of the 21st century, Vacheron Constantin continued its quest for excellence by combining tradition and innovation. In 2004, the factory moved to its international headquarters in Plan-les-Ouates, thus uniting production, research and development activities under one roof. In 2005, to celebrate its 250th anniversary, the house unveiled the "Tour de l'&Icirc;le", a pocket watch incorporating 16 complications, including the tourbillon, perpetual calendar and minute repeater. This exceptional piece illustrates the unparalleled know-how of the manufacture.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Since the 2000s, Vacheron Constantin has enriched its catalog with emblematic collections and models, combining watchmaking tradition and technical innovation. Here is an overview of the main collections and models introduced during this period:</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Vacheron Constantin Overseas</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Launched in 1996, the <strong>Overseas collection was revisited in 2004 and 2016</strong> to meet the expectations of lovers of elegant sports watches. These models are distinguished by their robustness, their waterproofness and their sleek design. However, this collection finds its roots in the reference 222, designed by Jorg Hysek, in the purest style Sport-Chic watches with integrated bracelet like the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/patek_philippe/nautilus">Patek Philippe Nautilus</a> or the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/audemars_piguet/royal_oak">Audemars Piguet Royal Oak</a>.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Vacheron Constantin Patrimony</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Inspired by designs from the 1950s, the Patrimony collection embodies timeless elegance and minimalism. Note the Automatic Heritage Featuring a refined design, this watch offers a clear reading of the time, reflecting the traditional know-how of the house. Their Patrimony Moon Phase and Retrograde Date offers the display of the phases of the moon with a retrograde date, illustrating the historical mastery of watchmaking complications by Vacheron Constantin.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Vacheron Constantin Historical Collection</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Vacheron Constantin revisits its iconic models of the past with this collection, adapting them to contemporary standards. <strong>One of the best known is the American 1921</strong> : Inspired by a model from the 1920s, this watch is distinguished by its offset dial and bold design. There Vacheron Constantin Cornes de Vache 1955 is a reinterpretation of a chronograph from the 1950s, this model is recognizable by its handles in the shape of cow horns.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Introduced in 2018, the <strong>Fiftysix collection is inspired by a 1956 model</strong>, combining vintage and modernity. There Fiftysix Automatic offers a retro aesthetic with modern functionality, ideal for everyday use. The model to Complete Calendar meanwhile, displaying the day, date, month and phases of the moon, for a model combining elegance and practicality.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Vacheron Constantin: The oldest watch Manufacture in the world</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The brand Vacheron Constantin is owned by the Richemont Group in the same way as <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/iwc">IWC</a> or<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/jaeger-lecoultre"> Jaeger-LeCoultre</a>. It produces around 30,000 watches per year, all models combined. To choose a Vacheron Constantin that best suits you, <strong>Dialicious owners' reviews</strong> are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real owner experience.</p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated November 2024)</p>

Vacheron constantin Overseas 1st generation (1996-2004) midsize (35 mm), sigma dial (tritium) blue sunray finish dial, second version of the bracelet with the smaller Maltese cross and "butterfly" clasp that I personally prefer. The watch is equipped with the Girard-Perregaux 1310 automatic ultra-thin caliber, COSC certified. 
The result is a watch with an impeccable finish and a really pleasant wearing comfort, sport chic par excellence and therefore usable in almost all circumstances of everyday life. In this price range, to my knowledge there is no equivalent with this quality of finish, and if we compare to the recent Overseas that I have tried, the quality is at least as good, for a price almost half as high overall...
For the size if you have small wrists like me (14.5-16.5 cm) the midsize is ideal (equivalent to a vintage Datejust 1601 for example), otherwise opt for the 37 mm. There is a Lady version also in 24 mm.



Perfect

By chance, while passing through a boutique, charmed by the fitting of an Overseas Silver dial, I like sports watches. A telephone number left at random, it commits to nothing… and then a phone call seven months later! The 3-hand date matte black dial had arrived. Ouch. I cracked. My entry into the Holy Trinity. A legendary name, the oldest watch manufacturer in the world, a sublime movement, the hallmark of Geneva… totally unreasonable. No more rationality here. The Maltese cross is everywhere, in the design of the bezel and also the steel bracelet. A luxurious sports watch with enveloping comfort, which knows how to be forgotten, discreet and less ostentatious and identifiable than its famous sisters, unobtainable and almost inaccessible… magnificent with its rubber bracelet. The only regret is that there is no stop second. While the brand offers it on the classic Patrimony. Who knows…

Overseas steel 41mm

Overseas, a name that leaves you dreaming, you imagine waterproofness, and a certain freedom under a beautiful sun. Hop, Vacheron Constantin is releasing in 2016-2017 a third generation of this range that many have barely heard here and there, without really being interested in it. The second-hand market is going crazy, people are discovering it, including me. Excellent news, I managed to get this new piece at the price... new. Immediately we see a certain number of comparisons including one that keeps coming back: this watch is an equivalent to the Nautilus and other Royal Oaks. Not to mention them, 5711 and 15202. And there, cold shower, we compare, we change the bracelets with the simple and very well done system, and we say to ourselves that in fact yes, the finishes are impeccable, the movement is splendid and visible through the glass - the best word to describe the glass that lets us glimpse this art. But at the same time, it is impossible to be convinced that you have THE Nautilus from Vacheron or THE Royal Oak from Audemars, and so I will allow myself to make things easier for you: NO! This watch is not a competitor to these two other pieces. I have come to the conclusion that it can only be considered as the only one in its category: a "super luxury daily toolwatch", which would be a bit like the culmination of what can be done in terms of finishes, playfulness, beauty, fun, and sophistication in terms of design, while offering a beautifully crafted movement (hello Submariner, we are not talking about you here). Phew, we can breathe, we finally appreciate the piece, we understand that it can serve as the only piece for the rest of our days, neither too thick nor too thin in the end, integrated steel bracelet today, the next day on alligator, and the day after that on colored rubber. In short, this watch is what we can ultimately expect from a big house like VC that tries the exercise of getting out of the spirit of a small hidden workshop with traditional pieces: a sour candy in the shape of... a flying saucer some will say? In any case, don't expect to compete with the friends who own the other two that are given as competitors on all the discussion forums: they drive Porsches, you drive Alfa Romeos. I'll let you make the connection and wonder about the popularity and frequency of visibility of the two brands in everyday life. A little touch of technical advice outside of my improvised poetry: nothing to say, I would have made it in 40mm rather than 41mm, and again, for the rest, no problem for me. Blue and gray dial for my favorites. Be careful with the Dual Time which is also much thicker.

Worthy element of the “Holy Trinity”?

<p>La marque <strong>Ollech &amp; Wajs</strong> a &eacute;t&eacute; cr&eacute;&eacute;e en <strong>1956</strong> par Joseph Ollech et Albert Wajs &agrave; Zurich en Suisse. Albert &eacute;tait charg&eacute; de la conception, de l&rsquo;ing&eacute;nierie et de la fabrication des montres, tandis que Joseph s&rsquo;occupait du marketing et de la vente au d&eacute;tail. Avant de cr&eacute;er leur propre montres sous la marque Ollech &amp; Wajs, ils ont commenc&eacute; leur activit&eacute; en 1954 en fabriquant des bracelets en acier pour d&rsquo;autres marques.</p>
<p>La marque est connue pour avoir distribu&eacute; des montres &agrave; des unit&eacute;s de l&rsquo;arm&eacute;e am&eacute;ricaine pendant la guerre du Vietnam et pour avoir gagn&eacute; sa renomm&eacute;e aupr&egrave;s des plongeurs et pilotes du monde entier.</p>
<p>Apr&egrave;s 12 ans de n&eacute;gociation et apr&egrave;s avoir &eacute;t&eacute; son distributeur pour le march&eacute; fran&ccedil;ais, en 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, un passionn&eacute; d&rsquo;horlogerie, rach&egrave;te la marque. La gamme actuelle comprend des mod&egrave;les comme la Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 et la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104">Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000">Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph">Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> et la Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.</p>
<h2>Combien co&ucirc;te une montre Ollech &amp; Wajs ?</h2>
<p>Les prix des montres Ollech &amp; Wajs &eacute;voluent et diff&egrave;rent selon les mod&egrave;les. <strong>La plupart co&ucirc;tent entre CHF 1,500 et CHF 2,000 selon les mod&egrave;les et les finitions</strong>. Comptez <strong>CHF 1,456</strong> pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI et pr&egrave;s de <strong>CHF 2,300</strong> pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronographe. Le march&eacute; de l'occasion est &eacute;galement une opportunit&eacute; &agrave; regarder pour acheter une Ollech &amp; Wajs moins ch&egrave;re. Les mod&egrave;les Vintage notamment les Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron et&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron">Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, sont tr&egrave;s pris&eacute;es des collectionneurs et ils convient de bien se renseigner sur le vendeur avant de franchir le pas de l'acquisition d'une vintage.</p>
<p><strong>Ollech &amp; Wajs</strong> est une marque de montres ind&eacute;pendante et produit plusieurs centaines de montres par an, tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Pour choisir une Ollech &amp; Wajs qui vous correspond le mieux,&nbsp;<strong>les avis clients Dialicious</strong> sont une pr&eacute;cieuse ressource pour &eacute;valuer chacun des diff&eacute;rents mod&egrave;les &agrave; travers l'exp&eacute;rience r&eacute;elle des clients.</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Consultez le <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_suisses"><span class="s2">Classement des meilleures marques de montres suisses</span></a> dont Ollech &amp; Wajs fait partie.</span></p>
<p class="p1">(Mise &agrave; jour Octobre 2024)</p>

<p dir="ltr">The brand <strong>Ollech &amp; Wajs</strong> was created in <strong>1956</strong> by Joseph Ollech and Albert Wajs in Zurich, Switzerland. Albert was responsible for the design, engineering and manufacturing of the watches, while Joseph handled marketing and retail sales. Before creating their own watches under the brand Ollech &amp; Wajs, they started their business in 1954 making steel bracelets for other brands.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The brand is known for distributing watches to units of the American army during the Vietnam War and for having earned its reputation among divers and pilots around the world.</p>
<p dir="ltr">After 12 years of negotiations and after having been its distributor for the French market, in 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, a watchmaking enthusiast, bought the brand. The current range includes models like the Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 and the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104"> Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000"> Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph"> Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> and the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does an Ollech &amp; Wajs watch cost?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The prices of Ollech &amp; Wajs watches change and differ depending on the model. <strong>Most cost between CHF 1,500 and CHF 2,000 depending on the models and finishes</strong>. Expect to pay <strong>CHF </strong><strong>1,456</strong> for an Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI and close to <strong>CHF </strong><strong>2,300</strong> for an Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronograph. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to buy a cheaper Ollech &amp; Wajs. Vintage models including the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron and<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron"> Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, are very popular with collectors and they should find out about the seller before taking the step of purchasing a vintage one.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Ollech &amp; Wajs is an independent watch brand and produces several hundred watches per year, all models combined. To choose an Ollech &amp; Wajs that best suits you, <strong>Dialicious owners' reviews</strong> are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real owner experience.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Consult the<a href="https://preprod.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_swiss_watch_brands"> Ranking of the best Swiss watch brands</a> of which Ollech &amp; Wajs is part.</p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated October 2024)</p>

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Owner Review : Majestic, historical and precious

An authentic pleasure

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