Entry-level model for VC vs A Lange vs Breguet

[ragna93]

Hello,

I am considering VC Patrimony, A Lange Saxonia or Breguet's Classic line.
My budget does not allow for further complications, and out of those three, I was curious which brands actually "care" about their entry-level models. I heard rumors that VC really doesn't spend much attention into their entry-level models. Would love to hear what you guys think, thanks.

[Watchflair]

Originally Posted by ragna93

Hello,

I am considering VC Patrimony, A Lange Saxonia or Breguet's Classic line.
My budget does not allow for further complications, and out of those three, I was curious which brands actually "care" about their entry-level models. I heard rumors that VC really doesn't spend much attention into their entry-level models. Would love to hear what you guys think, thanks.

Interesting... Have you had the opportunity to see and try all of them on in person? Being in NYC there are boutiques for all three brands that you are interested in. Go see them and judge for yourself. Nothing like getting some wrist time.

The ALS is pretty fantastic in terms of finishing whether at their entry level or top end. Honestly thought VC and Breguet are not far behind IMHO.

Are you searching for new? Boutique/AD or grey market? Or would you consider Pre Owned?

[kunlun]

Originally Posted by ragna93

Hello,

I am considering VC Patrimony, A Lange Saxonia or Breguet's Classic line.
My budget does not allow for further complications, and out of those three, I was curious which brands actually "care" about their entry-level models. I heard rumors that VC really doesn't spend much attention into their entry-level models. Would love to hear what you guys think, thanks.

A VC traditionelle small seconds is extraordinary and VC has given it an excellent movement designed to last and to be easily serviced, so they obviously care.

I really like the innovative movements in Breguet watches, upgrading classic lemania movements with silicon escapements and classic enamel or rose-engine turned guilloche on a silvered wafer of gold dial.

ALS isn't my thing, but they don't have a low end in terms of finishing, either.

[ragna93]

I will be making the trip this Friday but was curious what you guys would say. I am only looking for new one, will most likely purchase it through an AD.

Originally Posted by Watchflair

Interesting... Have you had the opportunity to see and try all of them on in person? Being in NYC there are boutiques for all three brands that you are interested in. Go see them and judge for yourself. Nothing like getting some wrist time.

The ALS is pretty fantastic in terms of finishing whether at their entry level or top end. Honestly thought VC and Breguet are not far behind IMHO.

Are you searching for new? Boutique/AD or grey market? Or would you consider Pre Owned?

[One Ping Only]

The Vacheron Traditionelle is a great piece, love mine. Do some research on the movement, it is highly regarded and certainly is not "entry level". Hodinkee did a nice comparison of the Traditionelle, Saxonia and a Journe a couple of years ago, Google should find it.

[dchang81]

Originally Posted by One Ping Only

The Vacheron Traditionelle is a great piece, love mine. Do some research on the movement, it is highly regarded and certainly is not "entry level". Hodinkee did a nice comparison OD the Traditionelle, Saxonia and a Journe a couple of years ago, Google should find it.

That hodinkee article made me want the traditionelle. then again cant go wrong with any of those.

[Samui]

I would 100% get the VC

[masyv6]

Originally Posted by Samui

I would 100% get the VC

x2!

[oscarostlin]

I love all three brands but went with a Breguet classique. Imho it is a beautiful timeless piece that exudes class.

[liu_watch]

VC Traditionelle doesn't do it for me aesthetically, despite that it may be a great watch technically. The dial, case contour, and minute markers too bland for me.

I was in a similar situation and decided on the breguet 7027, which can be had on the preowned market for a similar price to an entry Saxonia or Tradionelle. The Saxonia manual will be my second choice.




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[liu_watch]

Forgot the photo :-)





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[belligero]

Simple:

Lange > Vacheron > Breguet

:D

Though personally, I'd take an FP Journe over any of them.

[PJ S]

Originally Posted by liu_watch

Forgot the photo :-)

I’d send that back – they’ve clearly forgotten to fit the dial to it.

[liu_watch]

Originally Posted by PJ S

I’d send that back – they’ve clearly forgotten to fit the dial to it.

It's there if you put on your glasses.


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[PJ S]

^
That’s not a dial, it’s merely a token gesture!

[Solicitor]

VC for me

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[liu_watch]

Originally Posted by PJ S

^
That’s not a dial, it’s merely a token gesture!

Fair enough :-)

To OP, have you considered this one?



Not my watch. I tried it on in a boutique. Beautiful in person! Only potential concern is the auto mov't...


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[tigerpac]

Love the Breguet dials, cases and hands but hate those wire lugs!

[Vipes]

Originally Posted by liu_watch

Fair enough :-)

To OP, have you considered this one?



Not my watch. I tried it on in a boutique. Beautiful in person! Only potential concern is the auto mov't...


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Love the enamel dial on this one.

[stockjock1975]

Hard to argue against a Lange.

[DinoG]

Originally Posted by One Ping Only

The Vacheron Traditionelle is a great piece, love mine. Do some research on the movement, it is highly regarded and certainly is not "entry level". Hodinkee did a nice comparison of the Traditionelle, Saxonia and a Journe a couple of years ago, Google should find it.

Where can you buy this watch? It's absolutely stunning!

[PJ S]

^
You can find details for the list of ADs and Boutique in London when you visit the Vacheron Constantin website, under Points Of Sale.

[de66]

I like the Breguet 5817. A lot of Breguet for the price. Out of the three you mention I would venture that breguet spends the most effort on their dials. And they do not discriminate between entry or upper level watches. Each dial is always hand engraved out of gold, then silver plated, then laquered.
I had good experiences with the breguet boutique here in zurich. My dial turned out to have had a production error in it. Never should have happened of course, but was replaced with apologies. The simpler the watch, and the larger the dial real estate, the harder it becomes to "hide" mistakes.
Depending on your budget its definitely worth it to investigate pre owned. Many models of the brands you mentioned drop significantly in value and this could open the doors to some more complicated models.

[RUK]

This is a difficult one. They all make great watches. I have the same idea as you ,I want a simple three handed dress watch and was thinking of the Saxonia/Patek 5196/breguet classic and the VC.

I'm.leabikg towards the Patek now but that might change.
Our of your list I'd go for the Saxonia but let's see what you think when you try them on


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[2focus]

the Vacheron Constantin new entry-level Quai de l’Isle in stainless steel is interesting. slightly more casual...but dressy enough. If you don't mind the size, the Lange 37mm extra thin is really nice. both around 15k retail.

[lapince]

Originally Posted by ragna93

I will be making the trip this Friday but was curious what you guys would say. I am only looking for new one, will most likely purchase it through an AD.

You should check prices for new ones on Chrono24 before going to an AD, because these 3 watches take a plunge on resale, so if you can get one new on chrono24 for'30-40% off and the AD is ok to do only 10-20, you can try to use the grey dealer prices to uour advantage by telling him the prices you found, if he still doesn't give a good enough price try another, and if no AD is reasonable, then you go with a reputed grey dealer, or a trusted seller on TRF

[DinoG]

Thanks PJ S

[AK797]

Lange for me, Saxonia or RL if possible.

[malarky_hk]

If you want classy and traditional then the VC and ALS are the best choices. Between the two its a coin toss and down to personal preference. The Breguet is slightly quirky if you want something different.

The VC has the Geneva seal...so the finishing is top notch. The ALS finishing also top notch and ALS does not distinguish the finishing of its watches between so-called "entry level" pieces to their more pricier pieces https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZE-ORTurSY. Not sure about Breguet though...but I'm sure they're no slouches either.

[Sdevries81]

Really can't go wrong with any of these. Love the ALS Saxonia. Simple but extraordinary because of its finishing. The combination of brushed and polished elements on the case really does it fir me. The Breguet Classique line have beautiful dials but for some reason don't work for me on the wrist or are too quirky as a dress watch for my taste. I personally went for a VC Patrimony Traditionelle in rose gold as my true 'dress watch'. Just hits the sweet spot for me in size, finishing and dial. Very discrete without being boring one bit!