It is said people will only remember the champions, so companies often strive to produce products with the superlative “-est” tag, regardless of its practicability. This phenomenon can be observed in the watchmaking industry too. Recently, Vacheron Constantin refreshed the world’s record for the thinest watch by introducing two new ultra-thin wristwatches in the Historiques collection.

The two watches features different shapes. The round one, measuring only 4.1mm thick, is called the Historique Ultra-fine 1955, which is the one that actually got the title of the world’s thinnest mechanical hand-wound watch. The square one is called the Historique Ultra-fine 1968, measuring 5.5mm thick.

Both watches are crafted in 18 carat 4N rose gold and water-resistant to 30 meters. But they are a bit small and their movements are different. While the 36mm Ultra-fine 1955 uses with caliber 1003, which is the world’s thinnest movement, the 35.2mm Ultra-fine 1968 houses automatic caliber 1120.

But what is the point of making the thinest watches in the world? Look at these two watches, you’ll find that they sacrifice many timepiece functions: no chronograph, no date or day window, and even no sweep hand. They just look pale compared to most of the luxury watches available in the market in terms of functions and appearance.

Anyway, it may make a little sense comparing to those biggest, or smallest or thickest watches, if they exist. And it may appeal to those extreme minimalists and watch collectors.

In conclusion, I think these two watches demonstrate nothing but Vacheron Constantin’s expertise in making the world’s thinest watches, which sounds not appealing. In my opinion, watchmakers should focus their expertise to improve their watches qualitatively instead of quantitatively.

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