TL;DR — Walk-in purchase at Valley Fair; no prior purchase history, zero wait. Twelve months on, it’s still the modern chronograph I reach for most.
1. Setting the Scene
Most Saturday errands at Valley Fair end with a quick look-around in a few watch boutiques.
The plan that afternoon was to browse Patek Philippe, but the recently opened Vacheron Constantin store sat directly on the way. My wife suggested a short detour to ask about the Overseas “Panda”—nothing more ambitious than that.
2. Inside the Boutique
- First impressions The security guard hesitated—the usual gatekeeping when you walk in without an appointment—until the manager waved us through.
- The request Once seated, I asked plainly: “Any chance you have the 4500V Panda in stock?”
- Ground rules The manager’s only question was whether I had an existing wish-list. I didn’t. He replied, “If I can produce one now, it would need to be purchased today.” Fair enough.
He disappeared into the back room; my wife and I kept ourselves occupied by studying Patrimony dials under down-lights. A couple of minutes later he returned with a covered tray.
3. The Offer
When the cloth came off, the watch was exactly what I had been chasing for months:
- Reference 5500V/110A-B126
- Reverse-panda dial, sunburst silver with black sub-registers
- Full set—bracelet, calfskin strap, rubber strap, quick-change system
No bundling, no “spend history” requirement. The price was retail plus tax; nothing more. I confirmed on the spot.
4. Paperwork & Hand-Over
The administrative part was quick: warranty card, payment, and a brief walkthrough of the quick-release mechanism. I sized the bracelet for a snug summer fit, thanked the team, and we were back in the mall within half an hour of walking in.
5. One Year On
5.1 What Works
| Aspect | Comment |
|---|---|
| Versatility | Quick-change system means steel bracelet for the office, rubber for weekend hikes, leather for dinner—all in seconds. |
| Movement | Calibre 5100 remains at +2 s/day on my timegrapher; the 60-hour reserve is handy when it sits out of rotation. |
| Finishing | Bevels on the bracelet links catch light nicely without looking flashy. The exhibition case-back is still a conversation starter. |
5.2 Minor Gripes
- The clasp’s twin-trigger release is secure but prone to desk-swirls.
- At 42.5 mm it wears fine on my 16.5 cm wrist, yet the integrated lug shape makes it feel larger than a similarly sized Daytona.
6. Closing Thoughts
The purchase was straightforward—almost anticlimactic compared with the hoops often required for popular references. That simplicity, combined with the watch’s everyday practicality, keeps the Panda near the top of my rotation. If the Overseas line appeals to you, it’s worth asking the question in person; sometimes the stock really is sitting in the back.
End of notes. Feel free to reach out if you have questions or ownership experiences to compare.