Pix

Final price 108

Update on 21st March. Officially adding the Vacheron Constantin Malte Retrograding Perpetual Calendar I was offered by RWC admins

Hi Folks, Easter is bringing me 4 days off : the best occasion to start a new review... Let me wish you all Happy Easter Days. Today I'd like to share my experience of one of my latest aquisition : the Vacheron Constantin Malte Retrograding Perpetual Calendar. Also known as VCMRPC This rep has taken a particular place in both my collection and heart, as it is a gift from RWC's admins for my participation in this unique board, which most of you know has closed its door now. Fortunately I'm able to cross its members regularly here and on RWI So before starting, I'd like to reiterate my thanks to D4M and JB as well as to the whole RWC's remarkable team... And reiterate my regrets that it has not really taken off. Something was missing, but definitely not its fantastic members. How did I choose this model ? I was lucky enough to be asked by D4M what would be the rep I would like to get, in the "Asian range". I immediately thought about a Vacheron Constantin. They are amongst the reps which are most often great watches for a fair price, and usually decent as far as replication is concerned. I also used to own a Vacheron Constantin with Retrograding date, which was quite close to this one except the day, month and year. I had to let it go as it suffered from some rotor issues but I've always thought I would get one again. This prize/gift was the best occasion to go for a slightly nicer one : the Malte Retrograding Perpetual Calendar. How is it as a watch ? Bigger than the Retrograding calendar : 40 mm which is IMO a perfect dimension for a dressy watch. Not huge, not too small. Much thicker however due to its officer flip lid cover. That's definitely a unique "feature". Something which comes from the old pocket watches, and fits with the Vacheron Constantin spirit perfectly. I'll surely have something engraved on the back or the inside. Still making up my mind, despite excellent proposals from the boards members All features (except the year) are working, which I find quite amazing for an Asian 21J movement. That make the watch complicated to set up and you'll be happy to own a watchwinder to avoid setting it everytime you want to wear it. There are not less 4 pushers + the crown. 3 of those are recessed pushers and make the watch look smarter, I don't think you'd like that much pushers on a dressy watch. As mentionned, only the year does not work, but of course it can be manually set. That means that it will remind you once a year there's a dummy feature. I think I can live with that However, our friends manufacturers made it live until 2014. Enough for a rep's life ? The textured dial looks beautiful, and adds to the overall good feeling with this watch. I would maybe have liked a better serigraphy (or are these stickers) for the various texts. But does a textured dial enable this ? A perfectly flat sapphire crystal make this dial appear very clearly and sharp from any angle. I have learnt to hate the loupe / bottle glass effect which you often see with doomed crystals or simply with mineral glass. The movement is as lovely as the rest of this timepiece, and nicely machined. It gives the watch a really high quality aspect. It came with stickers on the rotor (Vacheron Constantin Gen

I love the design of the subdials, it's less "boring" than the usual chrono layout. A more detailed and accurate version would be welcome, for sure. You can get the quartz version from various dealers under 100 dollars. Apprentice Watchmark has it.

Hi, the layout is an OS20 layout : it's a quartz rep, probably not worth more than 100 dollars. I like it however, just because you see these rarely

Just received my Omega Railmaster Special Edition from Watchmark... Here on a temporary black strap (the rep one was awful, not the same level as those from Andy or St

Thx. On eBay actually, but it was such a long time ago, I have no more clue about who was the seller. Sorry.

I have always had doubts on black straps with blue dials. But you're right, I should try and look.

The cutest first lady ever... And she's italian, speaks at least 4 languages, and his more intelligent than any woman I've ever met (except you V of course)... :wub:

Hi, I was seduced by the blue dial of this one... Came with a blue alligator pattern strap, which I don't like. I'm trying something else but am not really convinced. Any advice on what would fit with my "cheapie" ?

Agreed.

Mmm... Breaking the rules with a Cartier or a Patek watch... Sounds like wanting to be "rock'n roll" with Bach or Mozart... These are all great suggestions actually. But keep the age in mind...

Hi, Quartz layout cannot imitate the 7750 layout. So if you look for accuracy in replication, that's not the way to go. But for having a quartz Breitling (Navitimer), they can be great watches too. Don't hesitate to go this way if the construction of the rep looks nice and well finished. What is sure IMO is that 168 dollars is too expensive. You can find the same on ioffer and other models between 110 and 130. If you're not confident in buying there (which I fully agree with, especially for someone starting in this hobby), ask one of the boards dealer to hunt one for you. Some offer this service : Ruby, Watchmark (apprentice) and I understood that Eurotimez does it too.

Hi, if you want to stick to something breaking the rules, and knowing you're 26 years old, I would definitely not advise my favorite brands (VC and Patek). Hey... Does this mean I'm old now ??! I like the mentioned Radiomir but I find it too large for formal occasions. IMO. Why not a black Omega Seamaster ? Even on bracelet it's discrete...and original at the same time, and IMO fits very well for young people. And without a tie would end up breaking the rules. You can be very smart without a tie too...

These are the same which Andrew and Joshua brought last year as MBW : but they are chinese copies of THE copy. Therefore the wording is abusive, although it is surely presented like this by the manufacturer, and I'm sure most dealer don't know what an MBK is. So they use the description. Anyway, the wording MBK is not copyrighted, so everyone must be careful about what he's buying. The "Chinese MBK" is not better than the other reps : good, but not better.

You're right corgi : the upper crown is here to set and wind the alarm. The original sound is a bit better...slightly.

@Cronsell : I NEED one of these Homer Tourbillons to make my collection complete... I'd love to see a wristshot of the black RG. @Victoria : I may say that I know you a little bit (just a little) and that you are a reference when it comes to choosing a strap Queen Victoria So if you like this one, I know I will look smart when I wear it. I have been a fan of alligator, always, but I feel it's nice to test other leathers. And exotic ones are definitely a nice way to have a discrete watch more eyecatching. This is maybe why it's less impressive on a Vacheron, as they are often already quite "busy" watches. Thx for your comments Is this a bague de fian

The one with the ETA movement is about 250 USD. But if you're ready to go on cqout (I don't know the seller's capabilities) there's exactly the same with an asian movement for 75 GBP. I was hesitating. But finally got an offer from my usual dealer which I could not refuse.

Agree with you, now I also want AR everywhere... Sheesh ! Nice review for a nice watch St

Actually this is a minute repeater. ("just" does music, as you can't set the alarm time) I have the rep of this IWC... But of course without the minute repater feature : that' as expensive as Tourbillons. These are all masterpieces of horology !

Nice one St

Hi doc, thx for the update. Have a look in my signature if you want to hear the alarm It's a Seagull movement. I had one in a JLC watch. Funny, really. But you would like to hear more music out of this movement... I don't know if these are old reps, but at least they are different from what we usually see. It's typically my field : cheap [edit] I love the Breguet tourbi !

Just received the new dress of my Patek 5070 this morning : a Teju lizard strap. Victoria, do you like it ?