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Opinions please. H Moser Endeavour P. calendar vs VC Historique 1921

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8.2K views 72 replies 61 participants last post by  Gebbeth  
#1 · (Edited)
Hi,

I would really like members opinions on two options I have through ADs, and prices of these two timepieces are identical. I'm having a hard time choosing.

The first is H Moser & Cie Prepetual Calendar in Blue Fume Dial and Leather Strap. The second is Vacheron Constantin Historique 1921, the 36mm dial version as it fits me better lug to lug. I recognize that the Moser is a complication movement and all, yet they're the same price range as the Moser piece I got hands on is heavily discounted by the AD since they're shifting their business strategy. I was really into buying it, some video reviews on Youtbue put me off though regarding the finishing of some aspects of Moser, like in the hands and movements, upon close inspection. Maybe nothing visible easily, but at least the piece reviewed was able to show it and I agree that at this price range I expect nothing but immaculate finishing. On the other hand, I saw the VC 1921 last weekend in the white gold and brown leather strap and it looked stunning.

Which one you would put your money on and why?

(photos of the models I'm referring to are attached. Exactly the same references. I think the moser came up with a newer reference where the dial has no "Swiss Made" written and the brand name is quite hidden, so this reference might be two years old)
Image

Image
 
#6 ·
I would personally go for the Moser, but that's just me and my niche acting up. Here are the strengths of the 2 watches :

VC :
  • traditional branding - "Big 3"
  • iconic watch. Possibly the most iconic watch VC has even
  • simple, elegant yet unique

Moser :
  • up and rising hot brand. Well-known in watch community although not enough to rival VC
  • color king in the entire industry. There is no competition at all. They do colors so well, every single color
  • the one you're looking at has a great complication


The VC is a great watch but since it's time only, as much as I'm a dress watch guy myself, I can't justify spending that much on it, much like Lange's Saxonia thin even though I know people always say it's "a bargain" in terms of finishing. The Moser is a lot more special.

It depends on whether that Moser blue appeals to you or not I feel like. Like I said, Moser is the color king in the industry. Aside from the strong complication in this piece, color is probably the deciding factor. If you aren't particularly wowed by color scheme of it, you should go with the VC.

**I believe watchfinder the youtube channel has a video for each of these watches. If you have the time, I suggest checking them out especially the Moser one. I feel like the VC time-only watch here is pretty self-explanatory but maybe the Moser could use some help in letting you know what's really going on.
 
#10 ·
If I had the budget I'd like to have both.

It's difficult to argue against VC. Particularly that model. Moser, however, has me smitten the past decade or so. I like how they thumb their noses at the industry and have a cheeky approach while offering a world-class product.

In the end I'd choose the Moser.
 
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#14 ·
There are tons and tons of watches that are identical to VC. The thing that sets VC to Moser apart are the following points in my opinion;

1) Moser - Very Rare (The watches are very rare as they make only 20 to 50 units per mode). They are not into mass producing the watches as they want to keep their watches to rare. Their in-house
movements are truly different and they have always broken swiss records in the watch-making industry. Moser's are not for everyone, but trust me it grows on you when you have them in your possession. In my opinion, they are the most prized possessions one can have.

2) VC - They are truly heritage and have not adapted much to a modern/fresh look. Nevertheless, they are worth every penny. Personally, I am a big fan of Moser watches as they are very unique and don't follow the norms. They are trendsetters.

That's purely my opinion and I don't want to come across as someone who is a sales manager for Moser ;)

All the best,

Asif.

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#32 ·
There are tons and tons of watches that are identical to VC. The thing that sets VC to Moser apart are the following points in my opinion;

1) Moser - Very Rare (The watches are very rare as they make only 20 to 50 units per mode). They are not into mass producing the watches as they want to keep their watches to rare. Their in-house
movements are truly different and they have always broken swiss records in the watch-making industry. Moser's are not for everyone, but trust me it grows on you when you have them in your possession. In my opinion, they are the most prized possessions one can have.

2) VC - They are truly heritage and have not adapted much to a modern/fresh look. Nevertheless, they are worth every penny. Personally, I am a big fan of Moser watches as they are very unique and don't follow the norms. They are trendsetters.

That's purely my opinion and I don't want to come across as someone who is a sales manager for Moser ;)

All the best,

Asif.
You have great tastes. Those are some of the best Moser offerings.

they are very unique and don't follow the norms.
I've heard people say that about Hublot..... I still have nightmares about that......
 
#38 ·
What an odd comparison. I'm not sure why you'd compare a 10k stainless sports watch to a nearly 40k finely finished precious metal dress watch from one of the big three. No one is cross-shopping these two watches. People have to stop making everything about Rolex. This is part of the reason Rolex is so popular.

Just my two cents. And I agree, gorgeous watch! They both are. There's no wrong choice here.

I'd go with either one, depending on my mood. Gun to my head, I'd probably pick the Vacheron.
 
#16 ·
That VC is my favorite of VC, by far and large. But that Moser is from my favorite brand, by far and large. I'm torn.

I'd get the VC because it resonates more emotionally to me, than the Moser. If you wanted the Moser chrono, though, that'd be a whole different story, and I'd go for the Chrono immediately.
 
#30 ·
I wouldnt make this choice based on specs and reasoning. Both are obviously awesome watches.

Get the one that makes your heart skip a beat.

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VC because it's beautiful, unlike the Moser.
I'll likely never spend that much on a single watch, but whether it's for a $3K or $30K, and especially since these two are very different watches, the gents above have summed it up nicely.

Which one excites you the most?

It's an easy choice for me between these two, the VC. While I appreciate Moser quite a bit, this example is not one of their more beautiful watches, and this VC has always been one of my favorites. It manages to be classic and original at the same time. I know that every time it revealed itself under my cuff, it would elicit joy.

Have fun with this decision, there definitely is no wrong choice.
 
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#20 ·
I would go with the Moser. If I'm not mistaken the VC costs about the same as the Moser and it's only a 3 hander. The VC is very expensive for a 3 hander. The Moser movement is finished nicer than the typical endeavor movement, with jewels set in golden chatons; the hairspring, balance assembly and the escapement are made by Moser. If I'm not mistaken the perpetual calendar is the one made by Andreas Strehler. You can set the perpetual calendar backwards and forwards without breaking it, and the "unnecessary" complications (such as the leap year) are moved to the back of the watch.