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Updated on 14 November 2026 : more than 550 watches made between 1755 and 1999 were entered in the competition, according to Business Traveller. The “Best of Show” award went to a unique 1962 platinum piece (Ref. 6448) with a minute repeater.
Background
Founded in 1755, Vacheron Constantin is the oldest watch manufacture still in operation. Part of its heritage is held by private collectors and is rarely shown to the public. The auction house Phillips, in association with Bacs & Russo, devised a concours d'élégance dedicated to these historic pieces. The first edition took place in Geneva.
The key points
The first Vacheron Constantin watchmaking concours d'élégance brought together 34 finalists from around the world on Tuesday 10 November 2026 at the Hotel President Wilson in Geneva, according to Luxury Tribune. The initiative came from Aurel Bacs of Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo.
The jury of twelve experts was co-chaired by Aurel Bacs and Christian Selmoni, Style and Heritage Director at Vacheron Constantin. It rewarded seven watches in seven categories, as well as an eighth piece honoured with the “Best of Show” special prize. A bailiff oversaw the deliberations.
For the brand, the event is a way to bring its collectors together and reach out to new ones. A 1930 pocket watch, given by King Alexander I of Yugoslavia to his Minister of Agriculture, won the Métiers d'art prize.
Key figures
- 34 finalists : collectors gathered for the awards ceremony, according to Luxury Tribune; Business Traveller counts 35
- More than 550 : watches entered in the competition, according to Business Traveller
- Around CHF 914 million : Vacheron Constantin watch sales in 2025, according to an estimate by Morgan Stanley and LuxeConsult cited by Business Traveller
- twelve experts : composition of the jury
- seven categories : prizes awarded, plus a “Best of Show” special prize
- 1755 : year Vacheron Constantin was founded
What it means for businesses
- Vacheron Constantin : strengthens its ties with the collectors who hold its historic heritage.
- Phillips : combines its expertise in collectible watches with a major Geneva manufacture.
Further reading
Sources
- Business Traveller – The World’s Most Beautiful Vintage Watches? Vacheron Constantin’s Inaugural Award Winners
- Luxury Tribune – Watchmaking concours d'élégance: a first edition that attracted major collectors
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