So many watches. So little time. In its 270th anniversary year, Vacheron Constantin is launching a series of new releases – including a world record with 41 complications. We congratulate, marvel and present our favorites
“Youth is the time to learn wisdom. Age is the time to take advantage of it,” wrote Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Unfortunately not in Vacheron Constantin’s birthday card. Over the past 270 years, the Maison has not only learned wisdom, but also the great art of haute horlogerie and is now presenting it with a handful, or rather armful, of new models. But perhaps Rousseau once addressed these words of wisdom directly to Jean-Marc Vacheron, as the two of them stuffed their pipes and bit into freshly filled canapés in a Geneva salon. The friendship between the watchmaker and the philosopher – later Voltaire also hung out with the pair – perfectly captures the era. At their desks, the men and women of the Enlightenment called for the progress of society, which can only come with the freedom of the individual. In the workshops and factories, technical innovations provided small and large machines that made the previously impossible child’s play. It was a time of new beginnings. And Jean-Marc Vacheron put those clocks together to display them. It wasn’t long before the Genevan’s ingenious designs were in great demand. However, it was not until his grandson Jacques-Barthélémy Vacheron entered into a partnership with the merchant François Constantin in 1819 that a brand name was born that would end up on the wish lists of European imperial courts, Egyptian royalty and the White House, among others, in the years to come.
The Quest in the World
Some empires that were once ruled with a Vacheron Constantin on their wrist have since been wiped off the map. But the Maison from western Switzerland keeps on ticking – and how. Vacheron Constantin is celebrating its 270th anniversary year under the motto “The Quest”. This is what it used to be called when knights set off on adventures for God and damsels. But the dragons that the watch manufacturer has to slay are tiny. These are the complications that go beyond a mere time display and have to be arranged under a microscope in fragments of millimetres. Jean-Marc Vacheron was one of the first people to successfully venture into their construction in the 18th century. In the decades that followed, the ever more sophisticated complications became a hallmark of the house and have now reached a temporary peak.
Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grande Complication
Seems out of this world. It took eight years to develop. 1,521 components rest and restless within it. While the company founder astonished the world back then when he succeeded in adding a date display to the watch, the Solaria combines 40 additional functions. This makes the Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication the most complex wristwatch ever produced. Among other things, it shows the position and altitude of the sun, the duration of the day and – a world first – when certain stars or constellations can be seen in the sky. The case also conceals a carillon that plays the Westminster chimes. Four bells and four hammers are needed to ensure that this melody, based on its famous London model, does not sound like it is being struck on a tin cup. This technological masterpiece is encased in 18-carat white gold with a diameter of 45 mm and a height of 14.99 mm. This makes the Solaris compact enough to strap on for a quick weekend shopping trip. But that would be like folding up the Mona Lisa and using it as a bookmark.
Historiques 222 Stainless Steel
In 1977, the Maison also had reason to celebrate. For its 222nd anniversary, Vacheron Constantin not only joined the emerging trend of sporty luxury watches, but also elegantly redefined the sector with the 222. Designed by a then still young but soon legendary Jorg Hysek, the watch became one of the most popular models in the company’s history. The original 222 and its new edition Historiques 222 from 2022 are now as coveted by collectors as the last croissant at the breakfast buffet. And the newly released stainless steel version is also likely to melt the hearts of connoisseurs.
Overseas Grand Complication
The most famous creation from the Vacheron Constantin legacy is also getting an update. For the first time, the Overseas has been equipped with minute repeater, perpetual calendar, tourbillon and power reserve indicator complications. The brand is thus combining its haute horlogerie tradition with the company’s most popular sports model. And thanks to the skeletonized open-face design, this Overseas allows you to see right to the bottom where the technology is doing micrometer work.
Traditionnelle Openface
If you feel particularly close to Jean-Marc Vacheron’s original vision, put the Traditionnelle on your skin. The classic model has nothing to hide in its new design and fascinates with an open dial. The Traditionnelle Openface Editions are each limited to 370 pieces and are available in three variations: with full calendar, with tourbillon retrograde date display and with perpetual calendar retrograde date display.
Tribute to the Celestial
For the latest model, we look to the stars once again. The Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Celestial watch series consists of twelve creations, each inspired by a sign of the zodiac. The filigree outlines are designed with gold, opaline and diamonds. In contrast, even the clearest night sky sparkles in vain. Although this series is also exceptional in terms of design, the Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Celestial focuses on a facet of watchmaking that is often forgotten under the weight of mathematics and mechanics. Because as closely as watchmakers look at the movement that lies directly in front of them, their – and our – gaze should also occasionally wander far into the distance. Because that’s where all the secrets and unrealized possibilities lie that make us dream and drive us on to ever new brilliant achievements.
The Quest
A taste for adventure even after 270 years: for Vacheron Constantin, 2025 is the year of The Quest. In addition to a series of new launches and cultural events, the Maison is celebrating its anniversary with an immersive exhibition. From September 15 to 28, it will also be coming to its home city of Geneva on a major world tour. There, at the Pont de la Machine, Vacheron Constantin will open its treasure chest and provide an insight into historical documents, tools and – of course – watches that made history.
Here you can delve even deeper into the world of Vacheron Constantin .
Photos: © Vacheron Constantin
