About Vacheron Constantin Watches

Founded in 1755 by Jean-Marc Vacheron, Vacheron Constantin’s 260-year history makes it the oldest continuously operating watchmaker in the world. In 1819, François Constantin joined Jacques Barthélémi Vacheron (the grandson of the founder) and together, they paved the way for the Vacheron Constantin brand. It was in 1880 when the brand adopted its now famous Maltese Cross logo, inspired by a watch movement component. Today, Vacheron Constantin’s exceptional excellence in high-end watchmaking has earned the company a spot among the so-called Holy Trinity of Watches, along with Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet. A distinguishing trait of Vacheron Constantin watches is the intricate decoration and finishing of the calibers inside the pieces, often marked with the coveted Geneva Seal.

One of Vacheron Constantin’s signature timepiece collections is the Patrimony. These elegant watches are characterized by slim round cases and understated designs cues taken from vintage Vacheron Constantin watches from the 1950s. The Traditionnelle collection, on the other hand, is inspired by haute horology traditions dating as far back as the 18th century. Many of Vacheron Constantin’s Traditionnelle timepieces feature complex watch complications such as perpetual calendars, minute repeaters, tourbillons, and world timers.

The Overseas collection houses Vacheron Constantin’s luxury sports watches, which can trace their lineage from a 1970’s watch called the “222.” The Vacheron Constantin 222 made its debut during the decade of other iconic high-end sports watches like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak and the Patek Philippe Nautilus and featured fashionable design traits such as integrated bracelets and oversized bold case silhouettes. Current Overseas watches carry on that spirit of the glamorous jet-set life from decades ago but redesigned to suit modern sensibilities, complete with practical details like interchangeable bracelets.

While the FiftySix is one of the brand’s newest collections, as its name implies, the watches are contemporary interpretations of an iconic vintage Vacheron Constantin watch model from 1956. They feature mid-century stylistic touches like sector dials and alternating Arabic numerals and baton hour markers.

The Historiques collection is dedicated to resurrecting some of Vacheron Constantin’s most iconic models from its centuries-old archives. Some key pieces include the “Cornes de Vaches” from 1955 named after the cow horn-like shape of the watch lugs, the “American 1921” featuring a dial positioned at a 45-degree angle to make it easier for drivers to read whilst driving a car, and the “Chronomètre Royal 1907” based on a highly precise vintage Vacheron piece from the turn of the 20th century.

In the 1700s, the most skilled watchmakers and artists, such as jewelers, enamellers, and engravers, residing in Geneva typically practiced their craft in workshops called “cabinets” located the top floors of the city’s buildings to take advantage of natural light. These artisans became known as “cabinotiers” and in honor of those craftsmen, Vacheron Constantin’s Les Cabinotiers department is tasked to make incredible timepieces that blend expert engineering and impressive artistic talent.

An old-world brand steeped in rich history, Vacheron Constantin continues to make some of the most coveted and cherished fine timepieces today.