BRAND BATTLE - Breguet vs. Vacheron Constantin

[vh2k]

Previous Brand Battle - Tag Heuer vs. Breitling
https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=767509

New Brand Battle...

Breguet vs. Vacheron Constantin

So, which brand is “better?” Which do you prefer and why?

[snarkq]

My opinion is both suffer from the same branding and design challenges, and neither lacks a watch that is truly and undeniably modern. However I give the tip to VC for their collection is more diverse and creative. My 2c

[WatchEater666]

I've always been underwhelmed by VC. I feel like A. Lange & Sohne should take their place in the "holy trinity".

Meantime Breguet has some really interesting pieces, amazing/interesting dials, etc...

[sgwatchguy]

Vacheron.... by a distance. While Breguet has some really interesting pieces, VC’s grand complications are breathtaking and only rivaled by a select few.

If money wasn’t an object, the following would be on my shopping list and to me represent the best of Vacheron.

[capote]

I don’t even know what best is. They both have great watches, Breguet is somewhat limited in their exclusive use of straight lugs for their dress watches IMO. For vintage watches Breguet is almost non-existent, which can be a strength or weakness depending on your point of view.

[Yaz]

Both of them...but Vacheron Constantin is ahead to me.
They offer a great diversity of watches and try in a sense to modernize some great classics.
Like Breguet, for true watches lovers...take a look at their Historiques line-up, the Cornes de Vaches chrono is just amazing or the Américaine 21 which is a masterpiece on its own. If money isn’t a problem, Les Cabinotiers is something beyond special...but I am much more into the Overseas line, the Américaine 21 or the Patrimony, an all time classic.


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[1William]

VC is my choice.

[jamerson80]

Breguet is my favorite brand, so obviously biased. The 7727 is an innovative piece with their magnetic balance. Love their guilloche work, even their more playful Marine options. The 7097 is the favorite watch in my collection (that includes the VCO 4500v). Also love one of their newest tourbillons, the Squelette 5395 (not my picture).


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[Kigan]

Breguet.

[Vipes]

I like a lot of Breguet pieces but they never look quite right on me. I think it’s the case design with the straight lugs. VC looks more modern but both companies have really nice watches.

[Pongster]

Vc

[Burlington]

VC, but only for their HH pieces.

[Watchflair]

This is a tough one-

I would have to go with Breguet just for the unique styling to their pieces. They are uniquely Breguet - the straight lugs and timeless designs. They don't pander to the times. In full disclosure I am biased - I do own a Breguet Tradition 7027 that makes me smile everytime I wear it.



I do like what VC is doing brand wise though - they are trying to attract a wide audience with their entry level pieces. I think this is a smart move when many of the entry pieces by PP, AP, ALS, and Rolex are simply unobtainable. I think this is an area where other companies should realize this opportunity to build their brand.

[MichaelFlash]

Breguet overall. I think their dress watches are more distinctive. You can spot them a mile away and I love the tradition. Sports watches goes to VC Overseas however.

[Amiroo]

Vacheron is on another level.

[AlyRba]

Although it is close and Vacheron has diluted it’s brand image by offering the ‘accessible’ fiftysix line, Vacheron still edges out in my eyes. Uninterrupted history, a relatively rich catalogue and grand complication offerings that rival those of Patek, VC truly belongs in the mainstream holy trinity along with Patek and Lange (not AP).

[Psmith]

Both great, of course, but I like more of the models in the VC range so they get my click.

[Juan Luis]

Originally Posted by WatchEater666

I've always been underwhelmed by VC. I feel like A. Lange & Sohne should take their place in the "holy trinity".

Meantime Breguet has some really interesting pieces, amazing/interesting dials, etc...

I love A. Lange & Sohne, but it is a relatively new/old brand that was revived in the 90's. The fact that Vacheron is the oldest uninterrupted watch brand gets IMO, a permanent spot in the "holy trinity".

[dchang81]

High end vacheron doesn't get enough respect. Though I could never afford it.

[kunlun]

Originally Posted by AlyRba

Although it is close and Vacheron has diluted it’s brand image by offering the ‘accessible’ fiftysix line, Vacheron still edges out in my eyes. Uninterrupted history, a relatively rich catalogue and grand complication offerings that rival those of Patek, VC truly belongs in the mainstream holy trinity along with Patek and Lange (not AP).

Breguet has been in continuous production since 1775.

There has never been an interruption.

Just to clarify.

[sgwatchguy]

Originally Posted by AlyRba

Although it is close and Vacheron has diluted it’s brand image by offering the ‘accessible’ fiftysix line, Vacheron still edges out in my eyes. Uninterrupted history, a relatively rich catalogue and grand complication offerings that rival those of Patek, VC truly belongs in the mainstream holy trinity along with Patek and Lange (not AP).

Interesting thoughts. While the concept of the holy trinity is an entirely arbitrary epithet, and therefore open to argument, AP has as much right to claim its place as any else. Also, Vacheron putting out accessible horology doesn’t ‘dilute’ its image or legacy in any way IMO.

[WatchEater666]

Originally Posted by Juan Luis

I love A. Lange & Sohne, but it is a relatively new/old brand that was revived in the 90's. The fact that Vacheron is the oldest uninterrupted watch brand gets IMO, a permanent spot in the "holy trinity".

Not sure why that even matters when it comes to assessing quality.

[Juan Luis]

Originally Posted by WatchEater666

Not sure why that even matters when it comes to assessing quality.

Yes. It's mostly tradition, in my opinion. I agree there are other brands with the same, or even better quality.

[MichaelFlash]

My vote is for ALS entering the big 3. The watches are absolutely 2nd to none and their horological integrity is IMHO unquestionable. Their problem is the relative youth of the brand.

[Alexwwjd]

I like these battles... keep them coming!
Let's get ready to ruuuuuuuuumble!

[psv]

Breguet could be so great, but they keep shooting themselves in the foot.

[KalahariRover]

I love Breguet, and some of their dial designs are my all time favs (7337 is pure art, and I think the Hora Mundi is jaw dropping).

But in my eye Vacheron is at a completely different level of watchmaking craft and finish. Between the Les Cabinotiers and Metiers d'Art (probably some spelling problems there) they make some amazing pieces.

If I was going to chuck someone out of the holy trinity to make room for Lange I'd throw out AP. Endless RO retreads like camo designs? AP has heavy market share but I think VC is miles ahead in terms of keeping great watchmaking alive.

I do think they need some portfolio consolidation. Patrimony and Traditionnelle are one too many IMHO.

[Oyster Sauce]

I voted “love both” - two brands that deserve more love. I think their main downfall in the current market is not having a SS sports watch that is hyped (although the VC Overseas is definitely a beauty and should be mentioned with the AP and PP counterparts).

[Justindo]

I have a soft spot for both brands but, overall, VC is clearly the better brand with better finishing and a more diverse portfolio. I love that a Breguet is always a Breguet and it's my wife's favorite brand but VC's offerings are almost always good to great. If any member of the "holy trinity" is to be replaced, it's AP.

[le_baron]

Originally Posted by Oyster Sauce

I voted “love both” - two brands that deserve more love. I think their main downfall in the current market is not having a SS sports watch that is hyped (although the VC Overseas is definitely a beauty and should be mentioned with the AP and PP counterparts).

Same thoughts here.