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Updated on 14 November 2026<\/strong> : more than 550 watches<\/strong> made between 1755 and 1999 were entered in the competition, according to Business Traveller. The \u201cBest of Show\u201d award went to a unique 1962 platinum piece (Ref. 6448) with a minute repeater.<\/p>\n 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'\u00e9l\u00e9gance dedicated to these historic pieces. The first edition took place in Geneva.<\/p>\n The first Vacheron Constantin watchmaking concours d'\u00e9l\u00e9gance brought together 34 finalists<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n 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 \u201cBest of Show\u201d special prize. A bailiff oversaw the deliberations.<\/p>\n 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 M\u00e9tiers d'art prize.<\/p>\nBackground<\/h3>\n
The key points<\/h3>\n
Key figures<\/h3>\n
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What it means for businesses<\/h3>\n
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Further reading<\/h3>\n