Vacheron Constantin and Phillips Launch a Watch Concours of Elegance
Vacheron Constantin has confirmed the full framework of its first watch Concours of Elegance, an initiative originally announced in September as part of the brand’s 270th anniversary. Conceived as an international event for collectors and enthusiasts, the competition is organised in partnership with Phillips, working in association with Bacs & Russo.
The project marks a notable expansion of the concours concept into the world of fine watchmaking, placing emphasis not on market value but on historical relevance, technical achievement and aesthetic quality.
Eligible timepieces and selection criteria
The competition is open to wristwatches and pocket watches produced by Vacheron Constantin between 1755 and 1999. In line with the event’s focus on authenticity and heritage, quartz watches, alarm clocks and timepieces that have undergone significant modification are excluded from consideration.
By setting a closing date of 1999, the organisers have clearly positioned the concours as a celebration of classical and historically significant watchmaking, rather than contemporary production.
Judging process and jury composition
An international jury will be responsible for evaluating the submitted timepieces, with winners to be announced on 10 November. The jury will be co chaired by Aurél Bacs, senior consultant at Phillips, and Christian Selmoni, Director of Style and Heritage at Vacheron Constantin.
The judging process is expected to take into account not only technical complexity, but also originality, condition, historical importance and overall coherence of design.
Competition categories
Seven categories have been established for the inaugural edition of the concours, reflecting the breadth of Vacheron Constantin’s historic production.
These include striking watches, chronographs and timepieces with astronomical complications. A dedicated category is reserved for multi complication watches featuring at least two major complications such as a tourbillon and a perpetual calendar.
Further categories recognise chronometers officially designated as Chronomètre Royal, a title introduced by Vacheron Constantin in 1907, as well as watches distinguished by artistic craftsmanship within the Métiers d’art tradition. The final category focuses on exceptional design, encompassing unconventional displays such as jumping hours, retrograde indications and other non standard solutions.
Registration and participation
Registration for the competition will be open from 19 January to 30 April. Collectors may submit entries either through Vacheron Constantin boutiques or via the brand’s online registration platform.
With this initiative, Vacheron Constantin not only commemorates its 270 year history, but also offers collectors a rare opportunity to place historically important timepieces within a formal framework of scholarly and aesthetic evaluation.
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