Initially, the name “1972” seemed strange as rose gold Vacheron Constantin 1972 Prestige Replica watch references a period where society seemed devoid of style. The “Glam Rock” era was punctuated by flamboyant, but sadly, tasteless clothing. Flared trousers, sequins, glitter and platform shoes lacked the lasting appeal of my Herringbone jacket.
A traditional Herringbone fabric is timelessly elegant. I remember a jacket I once owned, made of Harris Tweed, with its V-shaped pattern of the woven fabric. The wool had a soft, warm appearance and a tactility which begged to be touched and admired.
Sadly, with the onset of middle-age, I outgrew the jacket and it is no longer in my possession. Like many of the clothes which cease to accommodate my physique, it was probably given to a charity shop. Ironically, with the famed longevity of Harris Tweed, I suspect the jacket continues to serve its owner to this day with sartorial aplomb.
A dial with a V-shaped pattern
Recently, I was reminded of the Herringbone fabric as I admired a Genevan timepiece produced by the haute horlogerie brand, Vacheron Constantin. The Vacheron Constantin 1972 Prestige is delivered in a white gold case and features a dial that resembles the aforementioned V-shaped Herringbone tweed. The resultant appearance is simply gorgeous and proffers a unique aesthetic unlike any other timepiece I can think of.
Originally a ladies’ watch
However, the “1972” nomen references the year that Jaques Ketterer recevied the “Prestige de la France” prize, for a distinctive ladies’ watch, delivered in a trapezoidal-shaped case. Indeed, the brand was the first watchmaking manufacture to be honoured with the award.
Vacheron Constantin 1972 Prestige for “Special Boutiques” only – limited edition of 40 pieces
Both models are aimed at men, in contrast to the 1972 original, albeit I suspect many females will readily succumb to their charms. The new Prestige 1972, in non-limited edition form, employs a grey satin-finished sunburst dial with the chevron-like motifs creating contrasting lines of dark and light.
When Classic fake Vacheron Constantin watch opened its new Boutique at 2 Rue de la Paix in Paris, it chose to mark the opening with a limited edition version of the 1972 Prestige. The dial employs contrasting shades of black and white and the model has been produced in a limited number of 40 pieces. However, a second version of the 1972 Prestige model, which I was able to try on at the brand’s Boutique at Bond Street in London, is my preferred variant and the focus of this watch replica review.
It is the curving, arc-like profile of the case and dial, which seems to accentuate the herringbone-like pattern. Indeed, the pattern appears to slightly open-up, near the central area of the dial, according a three-dimensional allure. The pink gold sword-shaped hour and minutes hands, together with the applied gold Maltese cross, impart a judicious smattering of warmth to the dial.
A cambered profile
The case is slim, measuring a mere 8.72mm in height and its curving profile cossets the shape of the wrist. The watch replica is restrained in its dimensions, measuring 25mm by 47mm, and felt smaller still when placed upon my arm.
The cambered profile of the case and dial are matched by the line of the sapphire crystal which imparts an effortless grace to the 1972 Prestige. White gold suits the character of this watch, courtesy of its soft-spoken character. I am not sure whether red or yellow gold would work as well. However, experience has taught me to add a caveat here, as no doubt Vacheron Constantin could reverse this opinion with a stylish creation in one of these metals at some point in the future.
The Calibre 1003
A hand-wound movement resides in the case, the Calibre 1003, and can trace back its lineage to 1952 when Vacheron Constantin first began developing the movement in anticipation of its two-hundredth anniversary in 1955. It is very thin, measuring only 1.64mm and, based on the Poinçon de Genève adorning its case, I have no doubt it is executed to the same exacting standards we have come to expect of Vacheron Constantin.
The caseback is solid. I often feel that when a timepiece contains exceptional craftsmanship it should be shared with the wearer. But, in the case of the 1972 Prestige, I would have to make an exception. In my opinion, Vacheron Constantin is right to fit a solid caseback to this model. Furthermore, a sapphire crystal, located on its dorsal flank, would seem at odds with the quiet personality of this timepiece. I feel the inclusion of an exhibition caseback would not work with its slim, curving caseback. Ordinarily, I would cite this as a failing. A laurel wreath is engraved on the caseback with the text “Prestige de la France” referencing the 1972 prize.
The strap
Straps seldom merit mention. However, the soft feel and large square scales of the brown crocodile strap are beautiful. Moreover, I adore the white gold pin buckle featuring the half Matese cross. My own Vacheron Constantin Historique American 1921 has a similar pin buckle, albeit in pink gold, and I never tire of admiring its charming form.
A small criticism concerns some of the screws that engage with the leather strap, visible from the rear of the watch. They don’t seem to share the same refined execution as other areas of this Vacheron Constantin timepiece. Nevertheless, this is a small matter and should not unduly detract from the overall brilliance of the 1972 Prestige.
Conclusion
I like the 1972 Prestige and think that its plethora of talents become readily apparent to those who make its acquaintance.
A particular detail of the Vacheron Constantin 1972 Prestige that I invariably find myself returning back to is the dial. It is magnificent and has a grace which will retain eye-appeal for eons. Indeed, this lasting charm is yet a further reminder of the Herringbone fabric created on the Isle of Harris.
Technical Specification
- Model: Vacheron Constantin 1972 Prestige
- Ref: 33172/000G-9775
- Case: 18-carat white gold; dimensions 25 mm x 47 mm; height 8.72 mm; water resistant to 3 bar (30 metres); sapphire crystal to front and solid caseback
- Functions: Hours; minutes
- Movement: Caliber 1003, hand-wound movement; frequency 18,000 vph (2.5Hz), 18 jewels; power reserve 31 hours
- Strap: Brown Mississippiensis alligator leather strap presented on a 18-carat white gold pin buckle featuring a polished half Maltese cross
I like the Vacheron Constantin 1972 Prestige copy watch and think that its plethora of talents become readily apparent to those who make its acquaintance.