This is my second attempt to collect vintage Vacheron & Constantin watches. My first was a VC ref 4870 as below which I have regretted selling away.
Unlike the Rolex vintage watches where there are several thematic series such as Submariner, Datejust, President, Bubbleback etc, to focus and collect. The range of VC watches are quite wide. As such, I have decided to focus mainly on the vintage VC model with special case design.
My latest acquisition is a Vacheron Constantin Royal Chronometer Reference 6694, affectionately known as the "Batman" due to its unique lug shape. This watch represents the pinnacle of Vacheron & Constantin's commitment to precision, innovation, and craftsmanship. This is the Vacheron & Constantin watch that I have been eyeing for a long time as it has a unique shape with fat lugs as well as superb movement plus gold rotor and in crew back case.
As part of the esteemed Royal Chronometer line, this exceptional timepiece seamlessly blends unparalleled accuracy with the refinement and elegance synonymous with the Vacheron Constantin name.
Distinctive Design and Features
Featuring a round 18k yellow gold case measuring 35mm in diameter, the Reference 6694 showcases stylized "Batman" lugs that exude an undeniable charm.
Certified as a Royal Chronometer, this watch proudly displays Vacheron Constantin's dedication to in-house precision and robustness with a tiny diamond nestled within the Maltese Cross on the dial. The guilloché "Tapestry" dial showcases applied index sticks, along with a practical date counter at 3 o'clock.
The champagne sunburst dial is further accentuated by applied gold baton markers, faceted baton hands, and a sweep center second hand. The markers, hour hands, and minute hands are highlighted with elegant black gilt paint. A date aperture with a gold frame sits at three o’clock, accompanied by the signature inscriptions "Vacheron Constantin," "Geneve," "Royal Chronometer," and "Automatic." A sparkling diamond takes center stage within the applied gold Maltese Cross.
Back case with Chronometer Royal engraved plus the cross
Movement and Technical Excellence
At the core of the Vacheron Constantin Reference 6694 lies the exceptional K1072 self-winding movement, housed within a 35mm 18k yellow gold case. Based on the renowned Jaeger-LeCoultre 493, the movement has been modified to include center sweep seconds and a date function.
Introduced in 1962, the Reference 6694 is home to the first Vacheron Constantin automatic caliber with an adjustable inertia balance, the caliber K1072. Widely regarded as one of the finest self-winding calibers of its era, the movement utilizes ruby bearings to minimize friction and ensure optimal performance.
The Vacheron Constantin calibers 1071 and 1072 are both self-winding mechanical movements, but there are some key differences between the two:
1. Movement size:
- Caliber 1071 has a diameter of 26.2 mm.
- Caliber 1072 has a slightly larger diameter of 27.0 mm.
2. Jewel count:
- Caliber 1071 has 21 jewels.
- Caliber 1072 has 22 jewels.
3. Power reserve:
- Caliber 1071 has a power reserve of approximately 40 hours.
- Caliber 1072 has a slightly longer power reserve of approximately 48 hours.
4. Frequency:
- Caliber 1071 operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz).
- Caliber 1072 operates at a slightly higher frequency of 30,000 vibrations per hour (4.2 Hz).
5. Complications:
- Caliber 1071 is a time-only movement.
- Caliber 1072 can include additional complications, such as a date display or moon phase indicator, depending on the specific watch model.
In summary, the Vacheron Constantin caliber 1072 is a slightly larger and more advanced movement compared to the 1071, with a higher jewel count, longer power reserve, and higher operating frequency. The 1072 also allows for the integration of additional complications, while the 1071 is a time-only movement.
The "Chronomètre Royal" designation, a trademark registered by Vacheron Constantin in 1907, guarantees precision, accuracy, and exceptional performance. Each Royal Chronometer undergoes rigorous testing in five positions, at three temperatures (4°C, 20°C, and 30°C), and eight periods for 40 to 44 days. The movements are meticulously graded on a performance scale and awarded a certificate with a final score and rating, reflecting Vacheron Constantin's dedication to producing timepieces of unmatched precision and reliability. This 6694 watch is equipped with the first automatic winding movement Cal.K1072 equipped with adjustable inertial pendulum. Cal.K1072 is recognised as one of the best automatic movements at that time because it has 4 jewels bearings that can reduce friction to the minimum.
Crew back plus a nice gold rotor movement caliber 1072 & No other automatic movement can beat one with a rotor on four jewels rollers.
It has four ruby jewels that can minimise friction.
Conclusion
The Vacheron Constantin Royal Chronometer Reference 6694 is a captivating fusion of precision, elegance, and iconic design that encapsulates the brand's enduring commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. With its unique "Batman" lug design and outstanding K1072 self-winding movement, this timepiece has become a treasured collector's item among enthusiasts worldwide. The Reference 6694 stands as a testament to Vacheron Constantin's prominence in the world of haute horology, making it an ideal vintage timepiece for those who appreciate the art of fine watchmaking and unparalleled precision.
I am very happy with the watch as the watch has the following USP:
1. The fat Batman lugs and this model is relatively rare;
2. It has a small diamond on the cross dial
3. It has a gold automatic chronometer certified movement with one of the best automatic movement
4. Dials has Royal Chronometer Automatic
Besides in 18k yellow gold. It also come with 18k white gold as below:
Borrowed photos from the net.
For the yellow gold series, there are two versions:
1. The top one is without diamond at the cross (please see photos below:)
3. The markers are also different with the markers with the latter markers showing black gilt
江诗丹顿皇家计时器参考6694
江诗丹顿皇家计时器参考6694，因其独特的凸耳形状而深情地被称为“蝙蝠侠”，代表了江诗丹顿对精度、创新和工艺的承诺的顶峰。 作为受人尊敬的Royal Chronometer系列的一部分，这款卓越的时计将无与伦比的精度与与江诗丹顿名字同义的精致和优雅无缝融合在一起。
独特的设计和功能
Reference 6694采用直径为35毫米的圆形18k黄金表壳，展示了风格化的“蝙蝠侠”凸耳，散发着不可否认的魅力。 这款手表被认证为皇家计时器，自豪地展示了江诗丹顿对内部精度和坚固性的奉献，表盘上的马耳他十字架内嵌有一颗小钻石。 银色的“Tapestry”表盘展示了应用索引棒和海豚针，以及3点钟的实用日期计数器。
香槟日出表盘被应用的金色棒子标记、刻面棒手和扫地中心秒针进一步突出。 标记、时针和分针用优雅的黑色镀金油漆突出显示。 带有金色框架的日期光圈位于三点钟，并附有签名铭文“江诗丹顿”、“日内瓦”、“皇家计时器”和“自动”。 一颗闪闪发光的钻石在应用的黄金马耳他十字架中占据了中心位置。
运动和技术卓越
江诗丹顿参考6694的核心是卓越的K1072自动上链机芯，位于35毫米18k黄金表壳中。 基于著名的Jaeger-LeCoultre 493，该机芯已被修改为包括中心扫描秒和日期功能。
参考6694于1962年推出，是第一个具有可调惯性平衡的江诗丹顿自动口径K1072的所在地。 该机芯被广泛认为是其时代最好的自动上链口径之一，它利用红宝石轴承来最大限度地减少摩擦并确保最佳性能。
“Chronomètre Royal”名称是江诗丹顿于1907年注册的商标，保证了精度、准确性和卓越的性能。 每个皇家计时器在五个位置进行严格测试，在三个温度（4°C、20°C和30°C）和八个周期进行40至44天。 这些机芯在性能量表上进行了细致的分级，并获得了最终分数和评级的证书，这反映了江诗丹顿致力于生产具有无与伦比的精度和可靠性的时计。
江诗丹顿皇家计时器参考6694是精度、优雅和标志性设计的迷人融合，概括了该品牌对创新和工艺的持久承诺。 凭借其独特的“蝙蝠侠”凸耳设计和出色的K1072自动上链机芯，这款时计已成为全球爱好者中珍贵的收藏品。 参考号6694证明了江诗丹顿在高级钟表界的突出地位，使其成为那些欣赏精美制表艺术和无与伦比的精确度的人的理想复古时计
Have managed to find an18k solid gold buckle for the watch
Informations from the forum ; https://www.watchprosite.com/vacheron-constantin/the-forgotten-calibers-vacheron--constantin-sub-second-automatics/14.1170424.9262794/
History of V&C Automatics
V&C’s first automatic wrist watch was introduced in 1951, the 12-ligne bumper-winding caliber 477 with central seconds. Like all of their calibers since 1938, it was based upon a rough-finished ebauche from their movement supplier Jaeger LeCoultre.
cal. 477
Their first rotor-winding calibers appeared in 1954. Based on movements developed exclusively for V&C, caliber 498 featured subsidiary seconds at 6 o’clock while caliber 499 had central seconds. They were 0.75mm thinner than the 477 bumpers, with rotors running on four hidden steel bearings located close to the center pivot.
cal. 498/499
Further evolution of the 498/499 led to V&C’s first bidirectional-winding automatic in 1956, the caliber 1019 with central seconds; replacing the 498/499 after only two years in production.
cal. 1019
The 1019 was followed by a new design in 1959, the familiar caliber 107X family. Calibers 1070 and 1071, like the 498/499, featured sub-seconds and central seconds respectively. Their distinctive guilloche gold-segment rotors displayed four ruby rollers. While the diameter remained the same as the 498/499, the overall height increased by 0.10mm.
cal. 107X
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