Vacheron Constantin Ladies Cocktail Watch

Amongst the 'Holy Trinity' that is Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe, and Vacheron Constantin — VC, relatively speaking, remains a bit of a sleeper and in our opinion deserves more of the spotlight. Generally less understood than either of its respected compatriots, Vacheron Constantin has a legacy of producing some of the very finest high horology complications in history — and some of the loveliest. Sports watches came later to VC, as pressure from competitors in the then-new 'luxury sports watch' category launched in the early 1970s forced the storied brand to evolve — but historically, more classically-styled dress pieces is where Vacheron cut its teeth. This lovely piece from the 1950s is a prime example. Measuring 20mm in 18K yellow gold, it features an unsigned crown, an acrylic crystal, a smooth bezel, and a handsome champagne dial with an outer 'dot' minute track, applied gold 'baton' indices, a matching gold 'pencil' handset, and the 'Vacheron Constantin' wordmark in black printing. Powered by a hand-wound movement and paired to a black lizard strap with a yellow gold pin buckle, this transportive piece is a gateway to midcentury elegance. Strap it on for a black-tie event or a night out on the town and watch your mood lift!