Vacheron Constantin
Iconic Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin was among the first brands to embrace the Geneva Seal and is the oldest watch producer in the world that is still in operation. Vintage Vacheron Constantin watches continue to charm and captivate collectors near and far, and the manufacturer’s Maltese cross logo, adopted in 1877, is instantly recognizable as an emblem of luxurious design and enduring quality.
Vacheron Constantin was founded in 1755 by Jean-Marc Vacheron, the son of a master weaver in Geneva who instilled in his children his belief that working with one’s hands is a noble endeavor. Jean-Marc took his father’s convictions to heart and opened his watchmaking workshop at the age of 24. The watchmaker made custom watches for royalty and flourished as an innovator in its field.
Vacheron Constantin functioned as a family business for several decades after Jean-Marc’s death. His grandson, Jacques-Barthélemy, took over the business in 1810 and promptly realized that he would need support in order to expand the company’s reach as well as oversee production. He searched for a partner who was versed in international business and who had a fondness for watches — and he found it in successful businessman François Constantin, who became his associate in 1819.
Constantin was born to a merchant in Geneva. From a young age, he traveled extensively and honed his business skills, fast becoming a venerable merchant himself. Shortly after joining Vacheron, Constantin coined the company's motto, "Do better if possible, and that is always possible." These words continue to guide the brand to this day.
Since becoming known as Vacheron & Constantin in 1819 — and later, Vacheron Constantin — the company has enjoyed international acclaim for everything from jewelry watches to provocative shaped designs, and its alluring timepieces are highly sought after by antique and vintage watch enthusiasts.
Widely loved models designed by Vacheron Constantin include the sporty Overseas and the Patrimony, while a number of Vacheron Constantin watches hold world records. A vintage pocket watch previously owned by King Fuad I of Egypt is one of the most expensive watches ever sold at auction. Another watch — the Reference 57260 pocket watch — has 57 complications and took eight years to build. In 2022 Vacheron Constantin exhibited a selection of its rarely seen mid-century watches in its New York City flagship store. Since the 1990s, the company has been a subsidiary of the Swiss Richemont Group.
Find a range of Vacheron Constantin pocket watches, wristwatches and bracelets on 1stDibs.
Early 20th Century Swiss Vacheron Constantin
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid-20th Century Swiss Vacheron Constantin
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Swiss Vacheron Constantin
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Vacheron Constantin
18k Gold, Rose Gold
1950s Swiss Vintage Vacheron Constantin
Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Vacheron Constantin
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Vacheron Constantin
Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Vacheron Constantin
Steel
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- What is Vacheron Constantin?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Vacheron Constantin is a luxury watchmaker founded by Jean-Marc Vacheron on September 17, 1755, in Geneva, Switzerland. Today, Compagnie Financière Richemont S.A. owns the brand. Its headquarters are in Bellevue, Switzerland. Shop a range of Vacheron Constantin watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Vacheron Constantin is made in factories located in Geneva and Vallée de Joux in Switzerland. Jean-Marc Vacheron founded the luxury watchmaker in 1755. Its headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland. You'll find a range of Vacheron Constantin watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To pronounce Vacheron Constantin, say "VA-chir-un KAAN-stun-teen." The first word in the name refers to Jean-Marc Vacheron, who founded the brand in 1755. "Constantin" comes from the surname of the man who became Vacheron's business partner in 1819, François Constantin. Find a variety of Vacheron Constantin watches on 1stDibs.
- Who owns Vacheron Constantin?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Compagnie Financière Richemont S.A owns Vacheron Constantin as of December 2021. The public company trades on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the initial CFR and operates out of headquarters in Bellevue, Switzerland. You'll find a variety of Vacheron Constantin watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Which Vacheron Constantin watch you should buy is largely a matter of personal preference. The brand produces pocket watches and wristwatches for men as well as wristwatches for women. In addition to contemporary designs, you can find authentic timepieces produced in the 19th- and 20th-centuries. Shop a collection of Vacheron Constantin watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023Yes, Vacheron Constantin is a luxury watch. The iconic Swiss watchmaker was among the first brands to embrace the Geneva Seal and is the oldest watch producer in the world that is still in operation. Vintage Vacheron Constantin watches continue to charm and captivate collectors near and far, and the manufacturer’s Maltese cross logo, adopted in 1877, is instantly recognizable as an emblem of luxurious design and enduring quality. Shop a collection of Vacheron Constantin watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To wind a Vacheron Constantin, turn the winding crown clockwise until you sense some resistance. Typically, manual-winding watches require daily winding. You usually won't have to wind a self-winding timepiece unless you do not wear it for a day or two. Shop a range of Vacheron Constantin watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Vacheron Constantin watches typically retain their value over time. In fact, their value usually increases due to demand and inflation. Maintaining your watch properly will help to preserve its value. Shop a selection of Vacheron Constantin watches on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To spot a fake Vacheron Constantin watch, look closely at the details. Authentic timepieces made by the brand are highly complex and detailed. If you notice any flaws or asymmetry in the design, you are likely seeing a replica. Inside a real watch, you'll find the official gold seal of the Canton of Geneva. Shop a variety of Vacheron Constantin watches on 1stDibs.