Originally Posted by
Dino944 
Ah thats funny that you looked at the VC Historique 1968. I was fairly certain that I wanted a RO (either a Jumbo or chronograph), but on my last visit to NYC, I went to the VC bouttique and tried on the Historique 1968, the 1955 ultra thin, and the 1954 Aronde (not an ultra thin watch by any means but still interesting). The 1968 a very nice piece, but I thought the price was rediculous. Years ago I was a huge advocate for VC as they made some truly beautiful watches, with great movements, and at a great price (considering who their competion was/is). I own 2 VCs that I purchased new in the last 10 years and I really think they fit the descriptions of being truly beautiful, having great movements, and being a tremendous value. Unfortunately, I think many of their designs today are not that attractive and their pricing is rediculous. The only models I really like from them these days are from their Historique line. Years ago a friend who ran an store that as an AD for VC, Lange, GP, VC, Panerai, Zenith, Bvlgari, Jacque Edroz, and Rolex told me wait and see VC prices are going to become crazy. He had attended a meeting and people at VC were annoyed that dealers were discounting their products such as the VC Historique Chronograph, while the Patek 5070 chronograph was often selling above list price (both were using the same Lemania base at the time). The VC chrono was a freakin bargain with a list price at $17,000 (before any discounts) while the Pateks were over $30K. What happened, VC replaced the Historique Chronograph with the Malte Chronograph (which used the same movement as the prior chrono, they put it in a larger case, similar in size to Patek's 5070) and then they cranked the price up o $34,000 and the damn thing wasn't as good looking as the Historique Chronograph that it replaced. And keep in mind gold prices were not as insane as they are today. Anyway, the VC 1955 didn't interest me in person, and although I liked the 1968 (although not thrilled with a round movement in a square watch), the 1968 was so flat and large for a square watch that I didn't think it looked great on my wrist, and the entire time I looked at it I could not help thinking it should be about 1/2 of what its list price is.
I think of the ones you've narrowed it down to you have some nice choices with the AP Jules Audemars and the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950. I think stylistically the Parmigiani Fleurier Tonda 1950 is really quite striking in terms of design. I love the lugs and dial! My reservation with that piece would be what is their distribution chain and service center like. A brand like AP, I know I can count on for parts and service. A friend of mine bought his wife a watch from a smaller more obscure brand and when she damaged the bezel, it was a nightmare getting a replacement part. I just don't know too much about Parmigiani Fleurier, but if they have a service center set up in the US and you know other people have had good experiences with them, then I would say its a tough choice between that and an AP JA.
Good luck on your research and let us know what you decide. Either way I'm sure you will enjoy whichever ultra thin you choose.
The RDM is a beautiful watch, and would be a sensible trade if you decided to get something with a few more functions than the MC. Still the MC is clean and classic in design, and a great watch.
Hi Stitch, yes later on Patek did release one or two rectangular watches using rectangular movements that were quite pricey (although nothing comes cheaply from Patek). However, I believe that with their more "affordable" rectangular watches continued to use round movements.
No, not an ebay purchase. These watches were produced around the end of 2006 early 2007. I kind of decided late in the game mid 2008 that I wanted the Cartier Tank XL, and production of that model was limited to 200 in rose gold and 50 in platinum. By the time I went to my local Boutique (by about 2004/2005 the Collection Privee watches were longer available through ADs, only Cartier Boutiques), it had already sold its 1 alotted Tank XL. So they checked their computer to see if any other Boutiques had one. So while I was there they discovered their was one left and it was in North America, and they offered to bring it in for me to consider. So I ended up purchasing the last new one that was available. In the end, looking at some of the prices of watches today and what it offers it was really a steal !!!
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