It's done now, signed and sealed yesterday. My 2nd Vacheron Constantin
Very generous of the boutique to supply an extra custom alligator strap, watch pouch, leather notebook and 2 bottles of champagne.



Just love the 'passport' style certificate which is no longer issued on the new models. However, I'm glad Vacheron has changed their packaging to a more robust piano finished box.
I have yet to check what's in the USB stick, most likely the instructional manual.



Here it is I've decided to go ahead with the Boutique Traditionnelle instead after much deliberation. The Guilloche dial is hand turned on the rose engine and also made out of 18k pink gold. It's nice to know that there's still some hand crafting involved.

Thanks! I do love the dial.
As for the Lange, it has been accounted for already. Another customer has a deposit down but it's ok, I've already made up my mind for the VC instead The VC dial did it for me. Also, Lange's upcharge for a change to a blue dial is a bit much, I was hoping there's abit more done to the movement to justify for a LE i.e a special engraving or some sorts.

LOL it's my second VC poison. I want a third one already haha

Lol...deeply poisoned now. I'd love a VC American 1921 but need to start saving up

wristwatch check, always a pleasure every time I put it on

I had an unexpected package through the door today. I couldn't figure out if I ordered anything online?

However it was a lovely surprise gift by VC to celebrate its 265th Anniversary of uninterrupted history. I have to say it was a mighty nice gesture by the VC boutique and really made my day.




I wasn't sure what it was at first but realised they are VC Overseas biscuit bonbons



Perfect tea time treat



This post has been edited by Kelvw: Sep 18 2020, 05:29 AM

Just been sent a surprise gift from the boutique today to celebrate the Mid Autumn Festival. Mighty generous of them as they just send another gift not too long ago.
Guess I have to buy a watch now

Anyway....here are some pics.

Comes in a rather nice sturdy box and beautifully presented.







Nope it's not mooncake, which I secretly wished it was but it's chinese tea leaves but I don't mind. The tin is nice too and the tea is aromatic.



The booklet tells a bit of a history in how the tea were harvested and how to enjoy it. It's a lovely touch to the package.



Guess it's time I brew some tea now.

they do look after their customers. Tbh even as a non customer, they are most gracious too.

Quai de l'Ile has been discontinued over a year or two now. I think that is pretty good value too although I'm not a big fan of that rotor design.

VC's current entry is the 56 Date only, the cheapest VC so far but it doesn't have the geneva seal. Although the finishing is still at a high standard and uses the Val Fleurier movement. I've been told by the Singapore boutique there's a price increase this month, could be global.

Happy 2021!

I've just received a rather nice surprise from my Vacheron Constantin boutique to mark the new year.
This came through the post



Lovely VC branded chocolate biscuits and tea







This post has been edited by Kelvw: Jan 19 2021, 08:18 AM

The tea was alright, it's the usual English breakfast but harvested in UK which is nice to know. The chocolate biscuit was nice, this is the second one they've sent.
VC mentioned they will be sending another gift soon in the next 2 weeks I guess. Tbh they have been really generous and perhaps more so now since we're all in lockdown.

Did you get any gifts the day you bought the AP? Perhaps they would get you more AP gifts if you buy the code 11:59.

You need to buy more APs! Did you get yours at the AP Boutique? Usually that's where all the freebies are. A friend of mine was given the AP desk clock at AP House.

I am surprised there are no other freebies from a boutique. But at least you got the watch you wanted. I am always uncomfortable at Rolex ADs for some odd reason, and also there're no watches to chat over.

I would guess the Richemont group is more customer-focused. I've had good experiences at JLC and Lange boutiques as well.

That's an interesting insight into LV and Hermes. I've never bought anything from them tbh.

That's good to hear from both the brands as it never crosses my mind to check it out. It's just that I see them everywhere, just like rolex lol. No offence guys, it's just tongue in cheek

This post has been edited by Kelvw: Jan 21 2021, 10:55 PM

Another nice surprise from the Vacheron boutique being posted today. A box of Fine & Rare Scotch Whiskies to sample at cask strength
Definitely a much better treatment than Rolex ADs

L to R: Royal Lochnagar Selected Reserve, Johnnie Walker Legendary Eight, Talisker 8 Year Old & Mortlach 21 Year Old

Lol I'm not a big spender at VC, they have bigger clients but treat every customer equally well. I guess I get the extra treatment as I purchase directly from the boutique, so no discounts but you get the other perks. Also I've decided to purchase a boutique edition so it's not available anywhere else, which makes paying for it a bit more palatable (or I tell myself lol)
I was invited to sample their Remy Martin Louis xiii in store but the pandemic has put everything on hold I'm trying to get them to hook me up on a VC HQ tour when we get back to normality. I guess I will have to buy another VC by then

To reiterate what friedricetheman said, we're done chasing after Rolex and the AD games palaver. You get treated with more dignity from other brands. TBH it was refreshing to see what other watchmakers have and hence I've moved on to VCs, Lange and Breguet. There are just too many people with Rolex on their wrist everywhere too and I prefer to be a bit more discreet.

The quick change system is super easy as it uses a latch. No tools are needed but if you need different coloured straps, then you need to get VC to order one in for you.

I have not really scrutinised the date fonts I probably would if I was looking to get an Overseas but it's a pass for me. It wears too big on my small wrist. I'm more into dress watches rather than sports, I think I've grown a bit tired of chunky sports watches.
I may be the odd one out, but I like my watches to be a bit inconspicuous. Being in HK has really turn me off Rolex everywhere I turn, someone is bound to be wearing one. Then came the whole AD games has put a nail in the coffin for me.

sorry gone off topic lol. Talking about rolex winds me up

Since we're on the Code topic, I was invited to the AP event in HK before the pandemic

This is what I saw. the glass is definitely very unique and I'm mesmerised by it









The movement is beautifully done



A little souvenir to take away after giving a hand at brushing