The vice in the first post is mingin'! I don't like that at all. Beautifully made I'm sure but slap me with a brookie, it is fugly.
I use a Veniard pedestal vice that I bought in 1995 from Murray's tickle and bums in Banchory, now a different shop entirely.
The base is very heavy and the jaws are very hard. I think 18 years of hard service is testament enough for it's reliability. No fancy adjustable head, wind up handles on the back or other fancy bits, just a vice with well made brass bits and good old steel.
Me likee old skool.