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When Time Bears Two Signatures.

Some watches are rare because of their condition.

Others because of their reference number.

And then there are those that are rare because of their history.

This Vacheron Constantin ref. 4906 from the 1950s bears a double signature: that of the manufacture… and that of Türler, an iconic retailer from an era when luxury was whispered about rather than flaunted.

Two names on a dial are not superfluous.
It's a dialogue. Proof that time, sometimes, chooses its witnesses.

Vacheron & Species

<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>

This 1930s Vacheron & Constantin is the perfect example of a watch that doesn't need to overdo it to stand out. With its compact diameter (approximately 31 mm), it might seem modest to a modern collector. On the wrist, it truly commands attention. Not by its size, but by the clarity of its dial, the precision of its hour markers, and the simplicity of its design. The contrast between the soft patina of the cream background and the clean geometry of the hands gives it a real, almost architectural presence.
The thin but well-designed steel case naturally fits the wrist. It's a watch that slips under a shirt, but is still noticeable—especially upon closer inspection.
The 10.5-ligne caliber is one of the most widely used manual movements by Vacheron in the 1930s–1950s: reliable, slim, and beautifully decorated.

Vacheron & Constantin Calatrava 1930 in steel

<p><strong>Atelier Wen</strong> est une marque horlog&egrave;re ind&eacute;pendante qui s'est distingu&eacute;e par son approche novatrice, alliant le riche patrimoine culturel chinois &agrave; une horlogerie de haute qualit&eacute;. Fond&eacute;e par deux passionn&eacute;s de la culture chinoise, Thomas Gronenthal et Robin Tallendier, la marque vise &agrave; red&eacute;finir la perception des montres "Made in China" en mettant en avant l'excellence artisanale du pays.</p>
<h3><strong>Philosophie et Mission</strong></h3>
<p>L'objectif principal d'Atelier Wen est de c&eacute;l&eacute;brer l'artisanat chinois en cr&eacute;ant des montres qui refl&egrave;tent l'h&eacute;ritage culturel et l'expertise technique du pays. La marque cherche &agrave; offrir des garde-temps de luxe qui int&egrave;grent des &eacute;l&eacute;ments de design chinois authentiques, tout en maintenant des standards &eacute;lev&eacute;s de qualit&eacute; et de pr&eacute;cision.</p>
<h3><strong>Collections Principales</strong></h3>
<p><em>1. Porcelain Odyssey</em></p>
<p>La collection "Porcelain Odyssey" est la premi&egrave;re s&eacute;rie de montres lanc&eacute;e par Atelier Wen. Ces montres se distinguent par leurs <strong>cadrans en porcelaine v&eacute;ritable</strong>, fabriqu&eacute;s selon des techniques traditionnelles chinoises. Les mod&egrave;les "Ji" et "Hao" pr&eacute;sentent des motifs inspir&eacute;s de l'art chinois, offrant une esth&eacute;tique unique qui rend hommage &agrave; la riche histoire du pays.</p>
<p><em>2. Perception</em></p>
<p>La collection "Perception" incarne l'engagement d'Atelier Wen envers l'horlogerie de luxe. Ces montres arborent des cadrans guilloch&eacute;s r&eacute;alis&eacute;s &agrave; la main par le ma&icirc;tre artisan Cheng Yucai, <strong>le seul ma&icirc;tre guillocheur de Chine</strong>. Chaque cadran n&eacute;cessite environ huit heures de travail minutieux sur des machines &agrave; guillocher sp&eacute;cialement con&ccedil;ues. Les mod&egrave;les de cette collection sont disponibles en trois couleurs de cadran : bleu clair ("Piao"), saumon ("Xia") et gris ("Ying").</p>
<h3><strong>Caract&eacute;ristiques Techniques</strong></h3>
<p>Les montres Atelier Wen sont con&ccedil;ues avec une attention particuli&egrave;re aux d&eacute;tails et &agrave; la qualit&eacute;. Les bo&icirc;tiers, souvent en acier inoxydable 904L, offrent une r&eacute;sistance accrue &agrave; la corrosion et une finition polie exceptionnelle. Les dimensions typiques incluent <strong>un diam&egrave;tre de 40 mm, une &eacute;paisseur de 9,4 mm</strong> et une distance de corne &agrave; corne de 47 mm, assurant un port confortable sur une vari&eacute;t&eacute; de poignets. Les montres sont &eacute;galement &eacute;tanches jusqu'&agrave; 100 m&egrave;tres, ce qui les rend polyvalentes pour une utilisation quotidienne.</p>
<h3><strong>Mouvement</strong></h3>
<p>Les garde-temps de la collection "Perception" sont &eacute;quip&eacute;s du <strong>calibre automatique SL1588, fabriqu&eacute; par Dandong</strong>. Ce mouvement bat &agrave; une fr&eacute;quence de 28 800 alternances par heure et offre une r&eacute;serve de marche d'environ 41 heures. Bien que relativement nouveau sur le march&eacute;, ce calibre a &eacute;t&eacute; choisi pour sa fiabilit&eacute; et sa pr&eacute;cision, refl&eacute;tant l'engagement d'Atelier Wen envers l'innovation et la qualit&eacute;.</p>
<h3><strong>Bracelet et Confort</strong></h3>
<p>Les montres Atelier Wen sont dot&eacute;es de bracelets int&eacute;gr&eacute;s en acier inoxydable, con&ccedil;us pour assurer <strong>une transition fluide entre le bo&icirc;tier et le bracelet</strong>. Les maillons sont finement chanfrein&eacute;s et polis, offrant une esth&eacute;tique luxueuse et un confort optimal. La version 2.0 de la collection "Perception" a introduit des am&eacute;liorations notables, notamment des chanfreins faits main sur tous les maillons internes, renfor&ccedil;ant ainsi l'apparence haut de gamme du bracelet.</p>
<h3><strong>Collaborations et &Eacute;ditions Limit&eacute;es</strong></h3>
<p>Atelier Wen a &eacute;galement explor&eacute; des collaborations pour offrir <strong>des &eacute;ditions limit&eacute;es uniques</strong>. Par exemple, en partenariat avec Revolution, la marque a lanc&eacute; des mod&egrave;les en titane avec des cadrans jaunes et rouges vibrants, chacun limit&eacute; &agrave; 100 pi&egrave;ces. Une autre collaboration notable inclut une &eacute;dition sp&eacute;ciale avec Wristcheck et seconde/seconde/, pr&eacute;sentant un design ludique et innovant qui refl&egrave;te l'engagement de la marque envers la cr&eacute;ativit&eacute; et l'artisanat.</p>
<h3><strong>R&eacute;ception et Impact</strong></h3>
<p>Depuis son lancement, Atelier Wen a re&ccedil;u des &eacute;loges pour sa capacit&eacute; &agrave; fusionner l'esth&eacute;tique chinoise traditionnelle avec l'horlogerie moderne. La marque a r&eacute;ussi &agrave; <strong>changer la perception du "Made in China"</strong> en d&eacute;montrant que l'artisanat chinois peut rivaliser avec les standards internationaux les plus &eacute;lev&eacute;s. Les critiques ont salu&eacute; la qualit&eacute; de fabrication, le design distinctif et l'approche innovante de la marque.</p>
<h3><strong>Conclusion</strong></h3>
<p>Atelier Wen repr&eacute;sente une <strong>fusion r&eacute;ussie de la tradition culturelle chinoise et de l'horlogerie contemporaine</strong>. En mettant l'accent sur l'artisanat, la qualit&eacute; et le design, la marque a &eacute;tabli une identit&eacute; unique dans le monde de l'horlogerie de luxe. Que ce soit &agrave; travers des cadrans en porcelaine d&eacute;licatement fabriqu&eacute;s ou des motifs guilloch&eacute;s complexes, chaque montre raconte une histoire qui honore le riche h&eacute;ritage de la Chine tout en r&eacute;pondant aux attentes des passionn&eacute;s de montres modernes.</p>
<p>Inspirez-vous des <strong>avis clients Dialicious</strong> pour choisir la montre qui vous ressemble.</p>
<p>(Mise &agrave; jour Mars 2025)</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Atelier Wen</strong> is an independent watch brand that has distinguished itself by its innovative approach, combining China's rich cultural heritage with high-quality watchmaking. Founded by <strong>two enthusiasts of Chinese culture</strong>, Thomas Gronenthal and Robin Tallendier, the brand aims to redefine the perception of "Made in China" watches by highlighting the country's artisanal excellence.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Philosophy and Mission</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Atelier Wen's main goal is to celebrate Chinese craftsmanship by creating watches that reflect the <strong>country's cultural heritage </strong>and technical expertise. The brand seeks to offer luxury timepieces that incorporate authentic Chinese design elements, while maintaining high standards of quality and precision.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Main Collections</h3>
<p dir="ltr">1. Porcelain Odyssey</p>
<p dir="ltr">The &ldquo;Porcelain Odyssey&rdquo; collection is the first series of watches launched by Atelier Wen. These watches are distinguished by their <strong>real porcelain dials</strong>, made using traditional Chinese techniques. The "Ji" and "Hao" models feature designs inspired by Chinese art, offering a unique aesthetic that pays homage to the country's rich history.</p>
<p dir="ltr">2. Perception</p>
<p dir="ltr">The &ldquo;Perception&rdquo; collection embodies Atelier Wen&rsquo;s commitment to luxury watchmaking. These watches feature guilloche dials handcrafted by master craftsman Cheng Yucai, <strong>the only master guilloche maker in China</strong>. Each dial requires approximately eight hours of painstaking work on specially designed guilloche machines. The models in this collection are available in three dial colors: light blue (&ldquo;Piao&rdquo;), salmon (&ldquo;Xia&rdquo;) and gray (&ldquo;Ying&rdquo;).</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Technical Characteristics</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Atelier Wen watches are designed with attention to detail and quality. Housings, often made from 904L stainless steel, offer increased corrosion resistance and an exceptional polished finish. Typical dimensions include a diameter of <strong>40mm, a thickness of 9.4mm and a lug-to-lug distance</strong> of 47mm, ensuring comfortable wear on a variety of wrists. The watches are also water resistant up to 100 meters, making them versatile for everyday use.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Movement</h3>
<p dir="ltr">The timepieces from the &ldquo;Perception&rdquo; collection are equipped with the automatic <strong>caliber SL1588, manufactured by Dandong</strong>. This movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and offers a power reserve of approximately 41 hours. Although relatively new to the market, this caliber was chosen for its reliability and precision, reflecting Atelier Wen's commitment to innovation and quality.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Bracelet and Confort</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Atelier Wen watches feature integrated stainless steel bracelets, designed to provide <strong>a seamless transition between case and bracelet</strong>. The links are finely chamfered and polished, providing a luxurious aesthetic and optimal comfort. Version 2.0 of the "Perception" collection introduced notable improvements, including hand-crafted chamfers on all internal links, reinforcing the premium appearance of the bracelet.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Collaborations and Limited Editions</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Atelier Wen has also explored collaborations to offer <strong>unique limited editions</strong>. For example, in partnership with Revolution, the brand launched titanium models with vibrant yellow and red dials, each limited to 100 pieces. Another notable collaboration includes a special edition with Wristcheck and seconds /seconde/, featuring a playful and innovative design that reflects the brand's commitment to creativity and craftsmanship.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Reception and Impact</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Since its launch, Atelier Wen has received praise for its ability to fuse traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern watchmaking. The brand has succeeded in <strong>changing the perception of "Made in China"</strong> by demonstrating that Chinese craftsmanship can compete with the highest international standards. Reviewers praised the brand's build quality, distinctive design, and innovative approach.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Atelier Wen represents a successful fusion of Chinese cultural tradition and contemporary watchmaking. With a focus on craftsmanship, quality and design, the brand has established <strong>a unique identity </strong>in the world of luxury watchmaking. Whether through delicately crafted porcelain dials or intricate guilloche patterns, each watch tells a story that honors China's rich heritage while meeting the expectations of modern watch enthusiasts.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Take inspiration from <strong>Dialicious customer reviews </strong>to choose the watch that suits you.</p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated March 2025)</p>

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