Ended up going a totally different direction. Over the last year I’ve been slowly downsizing my collection with the thought that I wanted to go after something more high-end. The goal was to have fewer watches, but higher-level ones. I had sold off quite a few mid-range watches from Breitling, Omega, Zenith and some other brands. I thought for sure I was going to get a Vacheron Constantin Overseas chrono in blue. I love the bracelet, overall finishing, quick change strap system and that deep blue dial which really needs to be seen in person to be appreciated. The dial and the watch itself are stunning.
When I had sold off enough watches to purchase it, I went to an AD numerous times to try it on. In the case and in my hands, it looked even better in person than the internet pics. The overall finishing of the watch and the blue dial are just amazing. But when I put it on my wrist it just sat too flat and too wide for my tiny wrists. Due to the integrated bracelet, the bracelet flared out beyond the width of my wrist and looked too large. There was space between the bracelet flare and my wrist. It was the same problem I had when I tried on the AP Royal Oak Chrono which is the other watch I had considered. The bracelet does not drop straight down from the case to accommodate smaller wrists but rather flares out causing it wear large. The rubber strap and leather options fit better as they didn’t flare as much, but the goal was primarily to wear it on the bracelet because why buy a watch with such an amazing bracelet and not use it. So, after trying it on numerous times I decided that I couldn’t pull the trigger on it and went to plan B.
Instead of buying 1 watch with 3 interchangeable straps I ended up with 3 watches with 3 different straps. One to be worn on a bracelet, one that could get wet like a rubber strap, and one on leather. The total cost of the 3 I picked up was within a couple hundred dollars of the cost of the VC so it was essentially an even swap.
The first watch I picked up was the GO 70’s chrono which I got new from an AD. Love the look of the integrated bracelet on this one as it goes straight down and doesn’t suffer the same flaring issue as other integrated bracelets I tried on. Having a square case is unique in my collection which adds a nice new element. The micro adjustment is perfect on this one and makes finding the perfect fit easy. The dial is a beautiful blue sunburst with a very unique layout. At first glance it looks like a 2 sub dial chrono, but it has the hours totalizer in the small disc at 12 and it also has a power reserve indicator in the seconds sub dial. In general, I’m a huge sucker for the GO big date as I think it’s the nicest executed big date in the industry. This also might be the most cleanly executed chrono out there. The balance and symmetry of the dial is perfect. It was able to squeeze a full chrono, big date function and power reserve on what appears at first glance to be a 2 sub dial watch. So, this one with the unique case shape, integrated style bracelet, nice in-house movement and unique dial design is one I have admired for a long time.
The second watch was a JLC Polaris chrono which I got new from an AD. This one also has a beautiful bracelet which is what I purchased it on, but this will be worn on a brown strap for the most part as this one is a bit of a dressier chrono. Just haven’t picked out the right brown strap yet to go with it. This watch really needs to be seen in person to be appreciated. It’s really hard to photograph this dial and I was much more impressed by this watch in person that I was in any pictures I had seen online. The hand finishing on the case is clearly evident when handled and might be the nicest finished case I’ve ever had. And the dial is really cool with the 3 separate blue finishes. The textured part with the applied indices is the most difficult to photograph, but it almost shimmers in the sunlight as the light catches the rough finish. Again, this dial has a perfect symmetry as it does not have a date. At 42mm this watch fits my small wrist perfect and it’s thin for a chrono which allows it to be worn with dressier clothes on the rare occasion I ever need to even wear a dress shirt.
The third watch I ended up with was a BP Bathyscaphe Ocean Commitment which I picked up used. I always wanted to try a ceramic watch so I jumped on this one when I saw it. It has a really nice dark grey or gunmetal ceramic case, a liquidmetal ceramic bezel and beautiful high-beat movement. This one will stay on the sail cloth which can get wet. I like that they color matched the date wheel with the dial as I’m not a huge fan of when the date wheel stands out like a sore thumb at 430 (which is the only minor knock I have against the VC as it has that white date wheel). The movement is really nice on this one as it beats like the El Primero at 36000vph and is anti-magnetic with the silicone parts. I really like how light the ceramic is and even though this one is probably 5 years old, due to the hardness of the case and bezel, it looks like it just came off the shelf of an AD. The BP was never on my radar until I was at an AD looking at the Zenith Defy in ceramic and asked what other ceramic watches they had and they showed me the black version of the BP. Once I handled it, I loved it, but liked the grey case and blue dial combo better than the all black.
I’m really happy with the 3 watches I ended up with in lieu of the VC as I think they provide a nice variety and are different enough to justify having within my collection. I didn’t realize it at the time, but each watch is a modern salute to a different decade. The BP is inspired by the 1950’s bathyscaphe, the JLC Polaris is a modern interpretation of the Polaris which originally launched in the 1960’s and the GO which is obviously based on a 70’s watch. So, three different styles of blue chronograph watches with modern movements and beautiful finishes. I honestly don’t miss not getting the VC at all. I’m very happy having 3 completely different watches that are each unique rather than 1 watch with 3 different straps to change up the look.
.
.
), but my personal fav of your new three is the JLC Polaris Chrono. Just an absolutely stunning piece. 
)