an exhibition that celebrates the know-how of Vacheron Constatin since its origins

Founded in 1755, Vacheron Constantin claims to be “the oldest watch manufacturer with uninterrupted activity” since its creation.

Throughout these decades, the house has nurtured its vocation for Haute Horlogerie, leaving over the years, like witnesses to its history, timepieces that tell a style and a certain vision of the measurement of time.

This exhibition allows you to discover the universe of the brand through a selection of its emblematic watches which testify to its watchmaking expertise over time. All these pieces tell stories. All speak of watchmaking at the crossroads of arts and techniques. All, finally, embody the maxim of the house: ” Do better if possible, which is always possible “.

To illustrate this watchmaking heritage, VC presents in its boutique at number 2 rue de la Paix in Paris, emblematic timepieces from the brand’s private collection, which have marked different periods in the history of the house in terms of innovations, techniques and aesthetics.

Silver pocket watch, enamel dial – 1755
There are few examples of the work of Jean-Marc Vacheron, founder of the house in the 18th century, a time when watchmakers produced hardly more than ten one-off pieces a year.

This watch signed “JM Vacheron à Genève” on the movement is the only one known to date bearing the trace of his first name. A “founding” piece dated 1755, it is not radically different from the Geneva watchmaking production of the years 1750 to 1760. It nevertheless testifies to the care given to watchmaking aesthetics.

Fitted with an escapement wheel, it is adorned with finely chiselled gold hands, just like the cock or balance bridge, the most visible part of the movement once the case is open, delicately crafted in elegant arabesques.

This refined decoration was repeated in 2005 on the calibers of the watches created on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of Vacheron Constantin in homage to its founder.

With its silver case and its enamel dial with Roman numerals through which winding is carried out using a key.

Chronograph watch in 18k pink gold, silver dial, ref. 4178 – 1942
The advent of the wristwatch was to confirm the reputation of the house in chronograph watches at a time when instrument watches were to take on increasing importance.

Reference 4178, well known to collectors, is still considered a model of its kind today.

Buoyed by its success thanks to the technicality of its complication, this 18k gold chronograph with a 30-minute counter remained in production until the 1970s, equipped alternately with calibers V492 and V434, as in this version with a 30-minute counter and double scale of speed (tachymeter base 1000) and heartbeats (pulsometer 30 beats).

Technical and functional, these watches were nonetheless to meet the criteria of elegance dear to the Maison. Vacheron Constantin has thus paid particular attention to the aesthetics of these pieces. Stylistic research that can be seen from the 1940s in the architecture of the cases and the original lines of the welded lugs, here in the shape of a fan.

“Les Quatre Grands” watch in 18K yellow gold, silver dial, ref. 6032 – 1954
On July 18, 1955, the “Big Four” conference began in Geneva, bringing together the heads of the governments of the United States, the Soviet Union, Great Britain and France, all accompanied by their ministers of foreign affairs and of their delegation.

In the midst of the Cold War, the objective was to initiate discussions with a view to a policy of detente in the international relations of the time. No concrete result was obtained at the end of the summit whose “spirit of Geneva” nevertheless constituted a reason for hope.

Each of the eight heads of state and ministers, however, left with a gift offered by a group of Geneva citizens in the form of a Vacheron Constantin watch engraved on the back of the case, accompanied by these words: “…May this watch always mark happy hours for yourself, for your people and for the peace of the world. “.

This yellow gold reference 6032 model is powered by the 12”1/2 caliber P453/3B. With its diameter of
34 mm, it presents a style with a refined elegance characteristic of its time.

“Jubilee 1755” calendar watch in 18K yellow gold, silvered guilloché gimbal, ref. 85250 – 2005
Founded in 1755, Vacheron Constantin celebrated its quarter century of existence in 2005. To celebrate this extraordinary event, the house has created a series of anniversary pieces including this Jubilee 1755 wristwatch, reference 85250, produced in a limited series of 1755 pieces in yellow gold (500), red (500), gray (500) and platinum (250), to which are added 5 non-marketed pieces. This yellow gold model, engraved “Museum”, is one of them.

From the outset reserved for the private collection of Vacheron Constantin, this signature watch of the house presents a timeless classic aesthetic, enhanced by its subtly guilloché dial.

Calendar watch with date, day and power reserve display, powered by caliber 2475, an iteration of 2450, the first automatic movement entirely designed and produced within the Manufacture.

Stamped Poinçon de Genève, one of the most demanding certifications in the profession, this model bears the emblem on the dial.

Given the importance of this jubilee for a company created on Geneva soil, the authorities of the canton of Geneva have indeed granted an exemption to Vacheron Constantin allowing it to display the Poinçon de Genève crest on the face side of the dial. A favor that had never been granted before.