Get ready to witness history in the making! Vacheron Constantin is revolutionizing the watch world by launching a global competition that’s set to become the ultimate showdown for collectors and enthusiasts. Inspired by the prestigious Concours d’Élégance from the automotive realm, this event promises to be a celebration of timeless craftsmanship and innovation. But here’s where it gets exciting: it’s not just about owning a Vacheron Constantin—it’s about showcasing the stories, artistry, and legacy behind each timepiece. And this is the part most people miss: it’s a rare chance to see historical and contemporary masterpieces compete side by side, judged by some of the most respected minds in horology.
Dubbed the Vacheron Constantin Concours d’Élégance Horlogère, this competition is a collaboration with Phillips and Bacs & Russo, ensuring a blend of expertise and prestige. Collectors are invited to submit their prized Vacheron Constantin watches—whether pocket or wristwatches—launched between 1755 and 1999. But here’s the catch: quartz watches, clocks, and heavily modified pieces are not eligible, keeping the focus on the brand’s mechanical and artistic heritage.
The competition is divided into seven categories, each highlighting a unique aspect of Vacheron Constantin’s legacy. From the chiming mechanism category, celebrating minute repeaters and grande sonneries, to the astronomical complications category, honoring perpetual calendars and triple calendars, each group is a testament to the brand’s ingenuity. The métiers d’art category (excluding skeleton pieces) and the design category, which spotlights Vacheron Constantin’s signature aesthetic choices, are sure to captivate art lovers. Meanwhile, the Chronomètre Royal category pays homage to the brand’s precision-focused lineage.
But here’s where it gets controversial: the emotional dimension is one of the nine criteria judges will use to evaluate the timepieces. While authenticity, rarity, and technicality are straightforward, how does one quantify the emotional impact of a watch? Is it the story behind its ownership, its historical significance, or its sheer beauty? This subjective element is bound to spark debate among participants and spectators alike.
The jury panel is a who’s who of horological greatness, including watch historian Nicholas Foulkes, Urwerk cofounder Felix Baumgartner, and vintage watch expert Auro Montanari. Overseeing the process are Aurel Bacs, cofounder of Bacs & Russo, and Christian Selmoni, Vacheron Constantin’s heritage and style director. Bacs, a lifelong admirer of the Concours d’Élégance concept, expressed his excitement: ‘It has long been my dream to bring this concept to fine watchmaking… I look forward to the inspiring discoveries and scholarly conversations that will emerge from this competition.’
Submissions open on January 19 and close on April 30, with winners announced on November 10 during Phillips and Bacs & Russo’s fall auctions. Here’s the burning question: Which timepiece will not only win an award but also leave an indelible mark on the history of watchmaking? Will it be a rare historical piece or a contemporary masterpiece? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your predictions and opinions!
