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Stuff Men Want sydney levin | June 30, 2010
Time flies when you're having fun…and it books first class if you're wearing a Vacheron Constantin watch. Whether you're a proud owner or a not-too-proud-to-windowshop kinda guy, you'd better know the history before you wear—or stare—at one. Jean-Marc Vacheron opened his first watch-making workshop in Geneva in 1775. Two-and-a-half centuries later, it's the oldest watch manufacturer in the world, and its prestigious timepieces are sold in over 500 boutiques, stores and subsidiaries. London Jewelers at Americana Manhasset is the closest boutique, or venture into NYC. If you make a purchase, you'll be in good company: Men like Napoleon Bonaparte and Harry Truman proudly adorned their wrists with the luxury watches. And while they're not guaranteed to help all wearers get into the history books, they're a step in the right direction.
Wrist Action
Vacheron Constantin's Overseas Chronograph, $33,800, is the perfect fit. It's part of a sporty collection that's one part business, one part 18-hole private club. As the brand's website puts it: A true reflection of "the modern world that inspires its name—a world of travel and discovery. Now let's get down to details. This opulent timepiece is 18K rose gold, 42.5mm in diameter and 12.45mm in height, with a screwed-down gold crown and push-pieces. And that's not all. It's got an anti-reflective sapphire crystal and is water resistant up to 150 meters.
Fancy yourself a classic guy? Then the Traditionnelle Chronograph from the well-regarded Patrimony collection is the only timepiece you'll want to invest $42,900 in. It boasts rose gold hour markers, hands, pushers and crown, which really shine when they catch the light. It also has a sleekly polished 18K white gold case and a rich brown alligator strap. Energy: Manual. Number of Jewels: 21. Frequency: 2.5 Hz. Power-reserve (hours): 48 approx.
Time's on Your Side
Inspired by the company's now-historic address in Geneva, the Quai de L'ile Self Winding in rose gold, $31,500, is a gorgeous mix of old world quality and new world style. According to the Vacheron Constantin website, this piece is "lending a new dimension to the world of Haute Horlogerie." In fact, it's so exquisite it received the Hallmark of Geneva certification. That famous honor is only reserved for chronographs of the highest caliber, and it's the most important accolade the industry hands out. This 27-jewel work of art is truly unique. It boasts security printing measures, including laser engraving and UV ink—the same techniques used to print currency. It's also got hour, minutes, central second and calendar indication.
sydney levin
Sydney Levin is an extremely attractive writer living in New York City. She enjoys noodles and sloths, although not in that order.
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