Vacheron Constantin Metiers d'Art Watches

The Oldest Continuously Manufacturing Watchmaker

The Vacheron Constantin legacy began in 1755 when 24-year-old master watchmaker Jean-Marc Vacheron founded his company. The workshop was run solely by the family until 1817 when French businessman Francois Constantin brought expansion ideas to the Vacherons, and the watchmaker took on both family names.

The partnership prospered, and soon the Maltese Cross logo of Vacheron Constantin watches became a recognizable symbol of superior quality. The watchmaker remained open throughout the French Revolution and both World Wars. The brand remained a favorite of princes and kings, while also expanding into new markets in the United States and South America. To this day, Vacheron Constantin holds the honor of the oldest continuous manufacturer of watches in the world.

A Hallmark of Technical Prowess

In 1790, Vacheron Constantin introduced some of its first complications, functions which exist outside of simply telling the t.mes on a watch. Today’s watches exemplify Vacheron Constantin’s skill at producing perpetual calendars, displays, and the gravity-defying .

The company also holds the honor of creating the most complicated watch ever made. The Reference 57260 is a custom watch that took eight years to build and employed fifty-seven complications, many of which were invented just for this t.mes piece.

Over the years, Vacheron Constantin also developed a new way of displaying numbers, and the world’s thinnest minute repeater. The Patrimony series benefited from advances in thinner watches. Its classic, round 1950s style creates a minimalist t.mes piece with an emphasis on slender design and outstanding reliability. The series is another appealing option with mid-century roots. Recently updated with a stunning blue face, the series is both cosmopolitan and relaxed and available with or without complications, such as a .

Form Follows Function

In 1907 Vacheron Constantin developed the tough and reliable Royal Chronometer for global adventurers who needed versatile t.mes pieces that could withstand climate fluctuations. Then, in the First World War, the United States ordered custom pocket watches for its expeditionary forces and Vacheron Constantin produced rugged chronographs to military standards. The commitment to travelers continues in the world t.mes complication, available in the Traditionnelle, Patrimony, and Overseas series.

Influence of the Avant-garde

In 1912, Vacheron Constantin launched the elongated Tonneau barrel shape for those looking beyond the traditional round case in favor of something more avant-garde. In 1922, Vacheron Constantin once again deviated from the conventional, creating a cushion case with a face positioned at a slight angle. This whimsical style has been expertly re-created in today’s Historiques series and , which embody Vacheron Constantin’s identity as a trendsetting watchmaker.