Review of my VC Retograding Perpetual Calendar

[Pix]

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

[scoobs1971]

I loved reading this review. Thnx for sharing! The brown strap looks great by the way

[robertk]

Great review. I have one sitting in my Watchbox. Seeing yours with a good strap has motivated me to get a good strap and WEAR it!

thanks.

[prince458]

outstanding review Pix. I have the exact same rep but with black leather strap which i intend to replace.

Thanks for sharing.

Edited June 1, 2008 by prince458

[Pix]

Thx. I have put a black Teju strap in the meantime, and I think that's the colour I will keep for this one.

[Corgi]

I always wanted to get this one but the lack of running seconds hand put me off..