Table of contents:

Chrono Hunter Compares Vacheron Constantin And Panerai - Which Is Best?

Well, Timelords, Another duel is upon us. In the red shorts, established in 1755 from the home of Swiss watchmaking, is the Genevan pugilist, Vacheron Constantin. In the blue shorts, established in 1860 hailing from Florence, Italy is the highly successful Panerai. It's a tough question, but which is the best watch brand? That’s why we are here watch fans.

Vacheron Constantin resides within the prestigious grounds of the ‘Holy Trinity’ along with Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe. They have created highly prestigious models such as the Overseas collection, including the highly lauded Vacheron Constantin “Panda Dial” Overseas Chronograph and the very artistic and avant-garde Metiers D’art collection.

Panerai can be found rubbing shoulders with the greats on a regular basis due to their influence on the industry. While it's fairly uncommon for a brand to be based in Italy instead of Switzerland, Panerai have made a brilliant name for themselves, especially when looking at watches like the popular Luminor collection.

Seconds out!

History and Brand Reputation of Vacheron Constantin vs Panerai

Vacheron Constantin can trace its origins to 1755 when Jean-Marc Vacheron founded a watchmaking business in Geneva. They would get their name in 1819 when Jean-Marc Vacheron partnered with François Constantin. Their motto of “Do better if possible, and that is always possible” has remained true to this day.

Panerai was established later in 1860. They came to the horological world with a bang, but not in the form you may expect. In 1916, they patented the legendary ‘Radiomir’ after creating a radium-based powder for sights and precision instruments for the Italian Royal Navy in 1916, with the first Radiomir timepiece prototype created in 1935.

Panerai Radiomir - Source - Panerai

While Panerai may have been the first to create the highly influential luminescence, Vacheron Constantin was similarly progressing in the watchmaking world. In 1770, Vacheron created the world's first horological complication and in 1779 created the first engine-turned dials.

Panerai in their early days didn't have the resources to make their own calibres and as such, used ones by Rolex and other Swiss manufacturers. By the early 20th century, Panerai had established itself as an instrument supplier of the Royal Italian Navy and through their Radiomir patent and started to carve their own path.

Vacheron Constantin’s story is vastly more successful than Panerai’s, developing early from the start and continuously growing ever since. For example, Vacheron Constantin created the first non-magnetic timepiece in 1885, received the first Geneva Seal in 1901 and even produced a Grande Complication pocket watch for King Fuad of Egypt in 1929.

Panerai Lab-ID Luminor 1950 - Source - Panerai

Panerai have come into their own in the modern era. Looking back to 2017, Panerai released an extremely groundbreaking creation, the Panerai Lab-ID Luminor 1950 Carbotech which was released at SIHH. This model allows for 50 years without servicing due to the calibre P.3001/C being made up of carbon and other proprietary materials.

Vacheron Constantin Celestia - Source - Ablogtowatch

Vacheron Constantin was extremely successful early on, creating the thinnest manual wind movement, the calibre 1003 in 1992, the thinnest minute repeater the calibre 1755 in 1992 and they also created the quarter repeater watch in 1812 which is still considered a move of mason mastery. Don't be fooled though Timelords. These guys are still smashing it out of the park today.

They created the Ref 57260 in 2015 which was the most complicated mechanical timepiece ever made with 57 complications surpassing traditional watchmaking in more ways than one. And there’s more time peeps. In 2019, Vacheron Constantin manufactured the ‘Celestia’ which reads the civil, solar and sidereal time with each powered by their own gear train.

Sorry…due to the linear horological heritage of both brands we call this round a draw.

Design and Craftsmanship of Vacheron Constantin vs Panerai

Panerai have very specific ideas in mind when it comes to designing their watches. We have to look no further than the Luminor collection to see this in practice.

Specifically, the Luminor Due collection harks to its 1950 Luminor predecessor with its cushion shape and bold Arabic numerals. Furthermore, the watch is made of a special alloy version of red gold named 5Npt and a very rare grade 5 titanium.

Panerai Luminor Due - Source - Panerai

Vacheron Constantin has evolved beyond the realms of finding the lightest materials and strongest alloys. Models like the Kallista which is carved out of a gold ingot and has 118 diamonds shows that Vacheron Constantin is in a different league.

If you are looking to buy a Vacheron Constantin, why not consider the Metier d’Arts collection? Vacheron Constantin demonstrates the epitome of flawless design and technical prowess through this series of limited edition artworks. They are all done in keeping with the traditional way of making métiers d'art through utilising master craftsmen to blend the craftsmanship of hand and machine, surpassing the still exceptional skill of guilloche.

This time, we hand the design and craftsmanship award to Vacheron Constantin.

Top Models Of Vacheron Constantin And Panerai

Panerai is notable for its elite social circles. Worn by icons such as Sylvester Stallone and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Panerai’s Luminor and Radiomir models give a nod to the history of introducing lume to the watch world. Housing a very retro design, this is something we are seeing more and more of as the most popular watch trends of 2023.

Vacheron Constantin's clientele flutters among royal circles or the social elite. Previous models have been worn by Napoleon Bonaparte and Queen Mary of Romania as well as actor Tom Cruise who has sported the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin . Vacheron Constantin’s Overseas collection is one of their most iconic collections due to its timeless elegance and comfort. Their other collections such as the Traditionelle, Patrimony and Les Historiques are also highly successful and definitely ones to watch due to their sophistication and craftsmanship.

Panerai Luminor Chrono - Source - Panerai

If you choose to buy a Panerai Luminor Chrono, there is an emphasis on adventure and exploration. This is predominantly due to the design of the watch. For example, the dial is black and has luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers, alongside hollowed chronograph minutes at 3 o'clock and a small seconds counter at 9 o'clock. Conjoined with a tachymeter scale in the external rehaut, the watch is more than well equipped for your travels. The P.9200 movement is protected with an Incabloc anti-shock device alongside a strong 28,800VpH.

The Panerai Luminor Marina Quaranta is a fantastic model for folks looking to dabble in Panerai watches. At 40mm, it's the smallest Luminor Marina in production but it still retains its classic design on the sandwich dial wherein the indices and markers are sunk into the dial to create this appearance.

Housing the classic Panerai crown guard, there is a small second and a date window at 9 and 3 o'clock. These complications give the model an edge and ready you for life’s adventures, or for getting to work on time. Crafted from 316L polished steel, this model is capable of being worn while bungee jumping in Australia to meet a deadline day in the office. Try wearing this with a navy blue suit to match the sunray blue dial or a white linen shirt if you want to kick back in the sun.

If you choose to buy a Vacheron Constantin Overseas Self-Winding Silver Dial Ref 4500v you are buying the vision of the brand and the definition of Haute Horology. At 41mm, the emblematic Maltese cross is presented on the bezel with a simple design imbued with hidden technicalities.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas - Source - Vacheron Constantin

As an automatic movement, it provides a 22k gold oscillating weight in the style of a ‘wind rose’, a link to the travelling spirit this timepiece portrays. The hands and indexes are glazed with Super-LumiNova which ensures complete legibility. We should mention this beauty is the proud receiver of the Genevan seal, given by the Hallmark of Geneva. This makes Vacheron Constantin watches highly sought after among collectors for their impeccable watchmaking skills.

Made out of stainless steel, its durability allows it to withstand your day to day bumps and scrapes. This isn't to say this is a lump of metal with no horological depth. In fact, it provides the same effect as when you go on your daily run around the block or shaking hands at a business convention. Suitable for white cuffs in an office setting or chatting with friends over a few Rieslings, this is relaxed, unfussy and isn't imbued with too much complication

In fact, having the Geneva Seal on their movements demonstrates unequivocally what depths the brand goes to concerning absolute horological perfection across many areas from decoration to finishing. While the Panerai Luminor Chrono is superb for the inner explorer, Vacheron Constantin is just too well regarded and refined for Panerai to contend with.

We hand the top model award to Vacheron Constantin.

Prices of Vacheron Constantin vs Panerai Watches

Let's be honest, Vacheron Constantin is to horology what Lamborghini is to supercars. Panerai watches on the other hand tend to be more accessible to the average consumer, acting more as the classic yet affordable Mini Cooper.

The main Panerai collection, the Luminor, has a price range of around £4,500 to £25,000. For example, you can buy a Panerai Luminor Base Logo at retail for £4,600 at the time of writing or go for a more expensive model such as the Luminor Marina Gold tech Sole Blu which sells for £22,300 at retail at the time of writing.

Panerai also have pricey models such as the Luminor Tourbillon GMT which sells for £155,300 and obscenely priced models such as the 1955 Prototype Luminor which sold for almost £400,000 at auction in 2014. In effect, you can buy a whole street in Gwynedd for that amount!

Panerai Luminor Base Logo - Source - Panerai

Vacheron Constantin however is in a different league when it comes to prices. Their popular Overseas collection ranges from around £14,000 to £100,000. You can buy a Vacheron Constantin Overseas quartz for £14,500 at retail at the time of writing or the Overseas Tourbillon which sells for £108,000 at retail at the time of writing.

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon - Source - Ablogtowatch

Yes, they of course have their fair share of highly expensive models such as the ‘Kallista’ which was valued at around £5m in 1979, making it the most expensive watch of its era. Sure, Panerai is more affordable but it does punch above its weight depending on the model. However, the level of quality and detail that goes into each Vacheron Constantin model completely outclasses Panerai’s collection.

Vacheron Constantin nabs this round.

Accuracy of Vacheron Constantin vs Panerai Watches

Panerai watches attain a solid level of accuracy through various techniques that they employ. For example, some models such as the Luminor Marina are COSC certified and offer shock resistant technology built within the movements. This means the chances of the watches becoming inaccurate due to knocks is slim.

Panerai Luminor Marina - Source - Panerai

Furthermore, we like models such as the Carbotech, using Incabloc anti-shock devices to limit shock effects to the movements. Plus, the level of quality control is highly impressive. The models have to endure -40 degrees to +90 degrees in a 2 month accelerated age test to mimic 30 years of wear. Vacheron Constantin may well be the GOAT of all time keeping GOATS. They don’t just look to be COSC certified, they go one step further thanks to the prestigious Geneva Seal. Herein, the watch has to comply with 12 specific requirements like the balance spring must be secured by a sliding stud cap with round head and neck.

It gets even more in depth, with other requirements like in wheel assemblies, the pivot shanks and the faces of the pinion leaves must be polished. The level of depth that goes into being qualified as Geneva Seal ready, is a testament to the standard of Vacheron Constantin watches. If you want to buy a watch like this, the Vacheron Malte manual winding can be picked up for £25,200 at the time of writing.

The accuracy award goes to Vacheron Constantin.

Best Vacheron Constantin and Panerai Watches for Investment

The majority of Vacheron Constantin models capably hold their value and have every opportunity to consistently increase in value over time due to their strong reputation and phenomenal craftsmanship.

Vacheron Constantin 222 - Source - Vacheron Constantin

Take for example the Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222. The 18K 3N yellow gold watch boasts precious metal all over, including the bracelet and dial. Worn by many celebrities such as actor Micheal B Jordan, basketballer Chris Paul and comedian Andrew Schultz, you can buy a Vacheron Constantin 222 at retail for £66,500 at the time of writing.

Panerai watches are also a good investment if you know what you are looking for. Preferably, you want to be seeking out limited edition models or legendary models such as the Luminor range.

Panerai Sealand - Source - Panerai

For example, the PAM 5218-205A Slytech Submersible is a manual wind calibre that was created in 1996 and had a limited production of 200 pieces. Due to it being linked to the Hollywood actor, Slyvester Stallone, its value has every chance of vastly increasing on the market due to it being discontinued at retail. But just don’t tell Adrian!

Vacheron Constantin beats Panerai here as not only does it have rare models, but those very models sell for incredible amounts of money. For example, the Tour de I’lle was limited to 7 pieces and it was introduced as a celebration of Vacheron Constantin’s 250th anniversary. Built with two faces on the front and the back, the watch is riddled with complications and was originally retailed at £1.2m.

Tour de I’lle - Source - GPHG

While Panerai models such as the Luminor Sealand collection have every potential to increase in value, they will never be able to match the phenomenal prices commanded by Vacheron Constantin.

We give this round to Vacheron Constantin.

Which Vacheron Constantin and Panerai Watches Don't Hold Their Value?

This is very much a one sided debate as all Vacheron Constantin models hold their value. Historical prestige, and innovation in design as seen in the Metiers d’art collection and their highly respected Geneva seal movements put Vacheron Constantin into the realms of excellent investment potential. Vacheron Constantin’s ‘Fifty-six’ collection is an example of phenomenal heritage combined with Vacherons constant strive for innovation. The design takes inspiration from the aeon old Maltese cross…the lugs are crafted to proudly show this.

The watch represents the peak of the maisons quality, joining a classic dial with an undoubtedly unique audacious case alongside technical engineering of the highest level. These models are therefore highly coveted and extremely valuable due to them continuing the infallible legacy of the product 6073, its predecessor.

Panerai unfortunately cannot say the same thing. While they do have some models which can hold an increase in value such as the Panerai Marina Militare Black Seal, limited to 140 pieces. Unfortunately, the majority of Panerai watches do not have enough demand to warrant their maintaining price.

Vacheron Constantin Metiers d’art - Vacheron Constantin

Historical prestige, and innovation in design as seen in the Metiers d’art collection and their highly respected Geneva seal movements put Vacheron Constantin into the realms of excellent investment potential. Panerai cannot say the same thing. While they do have some models which can hold an increase in value such as the Panerai Marina Militare Black Seal, limited to 140 pieces, the majority do not have enough demand to warrant them maintaining price.

Panerai is well respected, just not worth looking into if you wish to sell a watch like this to turn a profit. Take for example the Panerai Radiomir Base Logo. While you can buy a Panerai Radiomir base logo at retail for £4,000, it currently sells on the secondary market for around £3,500 at the time of writing.

Time is ticking, but we give Vacheron Constantin this round.

5 Reasons to Buy A Vacheron Constantin Watch

Vacheron Constantin models are certified by the Hall of Geneva, ensuring phenomenal watchmaking quality.
Vacheron Constantin models won't lose value in most cases due to their rich prestige and high demand. Only around 20,000 pieces are made annually ensuring exclusivity.
Vacheron Constantin delivers high jewellery and formidable artistic models such as the Malte Tourbillon Regulator and Metiers D’art collection.
You are buying into one of the longest serving watchmakers of all time.
They are universally appreciated as being extremely influential in the timepiece world.

5 Reasons to Buy a Panerai Watch

Panerai offers affordable entry-level models into the luxury watch marketplace.
Panerai has some models which are extremely advanced such as the Panerai Lab-ID Luminor 1950 Carbotech.
Panerai utilises Incabloc technology to create precise models which are resistant to everyday wear and tear.
Panerai watches have distinctive features like their bulbous crowns and enlarged case which appeal to the watch collector world.
Panerai models are COSC certified, ensuring a very high level of quality and precision.

Conclusion

Well, Timelords…blood, sweat and many tears have been shed for this final result, or in this case, calloused fingers and sore eyes. The winner of the contest between Vacheron Constantin and Panerai is by unanimous decision…Vacheron Constantin. By a country mile. In fact we are calling this duel a TKO. Creating timepieces that have blurred the lines between high jewellery, creative flair and excellent watchmaking, the Swiss titan is the ultimate watch for those looking to buy a Vacheron Constantin which is crafted with the highest level of expertise and the finest materials around.

From Hollywood icon Marlon Brando to modern day actor Charlie Sheen, Vacheron Constantin is the choice of the elites and the general public. While the common man may not have accessibility due to their great expense, they are revered as ‘Holy Grail’ watches due to their iconic designs and phenomenal legacy.

Have we got you psyched up to buy a Vacheron Constantin? Feeling a sudden urge to sell your Panerai? Investing in watches has never been easier when using ChronoHunter. We are your best friend when you go to buy a watch or sell a watch. Make time and contact us today to see exactly why we are revered by those looking to buy a watch or sell a watch. Using our strong selection of highly skilled luxury watch retailers, we can ensure the best deals and get you the watch of your dreams in just hours.

Discover, hunt, buy, sell

Buy Or Sell A Luxury Watch The Smart Way With Chrono Hunter

If you are considering your new purchase or perhaps the sale of a beloved timepiece, Chrono Hunter is the smart way to buy or sell a luxury watch.

Compare Offers from the world's most reputable luxury watch retailers.

Save Time.

Save Money.

Personalised Service.

Hassle-Free.