Vacheron Constantin
- Founded
- 1755
- Based in
- Geneva, Switzerland
- In our catalog
- 8 watches from $12,500 to $49,500
Vacheron Constantin has made watches in Geneva without interruption since 1755, longer than any other company. It's one of the "holy trinity" of Swiss watchmaking, with Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, and it's often seen as the most refined and least flashy of the three.
History
Jean-Marc Vacheron opened his workshop in Geneva in 1755. In 1819 his grandson brought in François Constantin, a businessman, and the company took its current name. Constantin's motto, "Do better if possible, and that is always possible", is still used. In 1839 the company hired Georges-Auguste Leschot, who invented machines to make standardized parts, a key step in modern watchmaking.
In the twentieth century Vacheron made elegant dress watches and complications. In 1977 it launched the 222, an integrated-bracelet steel watch, and in 1996 the Overseas. The same year it joined the Vendôme group, now Richemont. In 2015 it made the Reference 57260, a pocket watch with 57 complications, then the most complicated watch ever made.
Signature models
- Overseas Automatic: The integrated-bracelet sports watch with a Maltese cross-shaped bezel and interchangeable straps.
- Overseas Dual Time and Overseas Chronograph: Travel and chronograph versions of the Overseas.
- Historiques 222: A reissue of the 1977 steel sports watch.
- Patrimony Self-Winding: A minimalist dress watch.
- Traditionnelle Manual-Winding: A classic dress watch.
- Fiftysix Self-Winding: A 1950s-inspired watch with lugs shaped like the Maltese cross, the most affordable Vacheron.
- Égérie Self-Winding: A women's watch with an off-center dial.
What it's known for
Vacheron's movements carry the Geneva Seal, and its finishing is excellent. The brand is less hyped than Patek and AP, which makes it easier to buy.
Price and positioning
Vacheron Constantin watches cost from about $12,500 for a Fiftysix to $25,000 to $50,000 for most models, with complications much higher.
Vacheron Constantin watches in our library
- Vacheron Constantin Fiftysix Self-Winding ($12,500 to $13,500)
- Vacheron Constantin Égérie Self-Winding ($21,000 to $23,000)
- Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Manual-Winding ($23,000 to $25,000)
- Vacheron Constantin Overseas Automatic ($26,500 to $28,500)
- Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Self-Winding ($27,000 to $29,000)
- Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time ($31,500 to $33,500)
- Vacheron Constantin Overseas Chronograph ($34,500 to $36,500)
- Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 ($47,000 to $49,500)