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.
Vacheron Constantin Ref. 92115, a very fine, unique 18K pink gold pocket watch
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in London, GB
Vacheron Constantin Ref. 92115, an extremely fine and unique 18K pink gold pocket watch Swiss-made, October 2001, Height 9cm, width 6.5cm, depth 1.5cm Open: height 9cm, width 13cm, d...
Gold
Antique Smith 8-Day Shipboard Clock
Located in Bridgeport, CT
A brass circular base with a central inset hinged glass panel that reveals a white metal face with black enameled Roman numerals hours and Arabic numerals seconds. The clock lacks a ...
Brass
$270 / item
H 3.15 in Dm 7.88 in
1970's British Ultimate Gray /Monochrome AC GMT Co. Classic Quartz Wall Clock
By Industrial Design
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Quartz sweep seconds / non ticking wall clock finished in Ultimate gray Pantone 17-5104 Rescued from Industrial scrap yards and brought back to life in our UK workshop, our expert...
Steel, Chrome
$948 / set
H 2.76 in W 0.99 in D 0.48 in
Cartier 18k Gold Plated Art Deco Pocket Cigarette Lighter, France Boxed
By Cartier
Located in Reading, Berkshire
Elegant Cartier 18k Gold Plated Art Deco Design Oval Pocket Cigarette Lighter With A Red Cartier Presentation Box Serviced Fully working makes for an ideal gift. Marked Cartier Par...
Metal, Gold Plate
$268 / item
H 3.15 in Dm 7.88 in
1970's British Ultimate Gray /Monochrome Black AC GMT Co. Classic Wall Clock
By Industrial Design
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Quartz sweep seconds / non ticking wall clock finished in ultimate gray pantone 17-5104 Rescued from Industrial scrap yards and brought back to life in our UK workshop, our expert...
Steel, Chrome
$215 / item
H 2.76 in Dm 8.67 in
1970s Seiko Retro Vintage Industrial Antique Steel Quartz Wall Clock, Pink
By Seiko
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Seiko super tanker slave clock original re-finished in Millenial Pink. A reclaimed and restored maritime slave clock. These clocks were used in great numbers on super tankers, ...
Steel, Cut Steel
$268 / item
H 3.15 in Dm 7.88 in
1970's British Yellow Illumination & White AC GMT Co. Classic Quartz Wall Clock
By Industrial Design
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Quartz sweep seconds / non ticking wall clock finished in Yellow Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating. Rescued from Industrial scrap yards and brought back t...
Steel, Chrome
$268 / item
H 3.15 in Dm 7.88 in
1970s British Classic Blue & Chrome AC.GMT.Co. Industrial Wall Clock Black Dial
By Industrial Production
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Rescued from Industrial scrap yards and brought back to life in our UK workshop, our expert process allows us to create a high quality clock of luxury standards. At A.C GMT Co. we ...
Steel, Chrome
$217 / item
H 2.76 in Dm 8.67 in
1970 Seiko Blue and Tobacco Retro Vintage Industrial Antique Steel Quartz Clock
By Seiko
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Seiko super tanker slave clock original aqua blue finish A reclaimed and restored maritime slave clock. These clocks were used in great numbers on super tankers, cargo ships an...
Steel, Cut Steel
$309 / item
H 3.15 in Dm 7.88 in
1970s British Bronze and Chrome AC GMT Co. Industrial Wall Clock White Dial
By Industrial Design
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Rescued from Industrial scrap yards and brought back to life in our UK workshop, our expert process allows us to create a high quality clock of luxury standards. At A.C GMT Co. we ...
Bronze, Steel, Chrome
$268 / item
H 3.15 in Dm 7.88 in
1970s British Yellow Illumination AC GMT Co. Classic Quartz Wall Clock
By Industrial Design
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Quartz sweep seconds / non ticking wall clock finished in Yellow Pantone 13-0647 Illuminating. Rescued from Industrial scrap yards and brought back t...
Steel, Chrome
$312 / item
H 3.15 in Dm 7.88 in
1970s British Bronze AC.GMT.Co. Industrial Wall Clock Chrome Bezel Black Dial
By Industrial Design
Located in Leicester, Leicestershire
Rescued from Industrial scrap yards and brought back to life in our UK workshop, our expert process allows us to create a high quality clock of luxury standards. At A.C GMT Co. we apply new paint finishes or lustrous copper and bronze to the clock case. Our high speed polishing machine restores the chrome bezel, which then frames one of our high definition screen printed dials. These clocks were originally slave or secondary clocks used on cargo ships and super tankers, they would have been controlled by a master clock...
Bronze, Steel, Chrome
$8,735
H 41.5 in W 13.3 in D 7.9 in
Large and Hand Carved Gothic Revival with Carillon Sound Wall Clock, ca 1900
Located in Lisse, NL
Stunning clock for the collectors of rare and truly stylish Gothic antiques. Gothic wall clocks are a rare find and this more than three feet tall specimen probably is the best an...
Brass, Enamel, Wrought Iron
Sold
H 5.52 in W 1.78 in D 1.58 in
Antique Swiss 18-Karat Gold Watch & Chatelaine, Vacheron Constantin, circa 1780
By Vacheron Constantin
Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent
18th century Swiss four-color gold open face watch with the original matching chatelaine, key and seal. Gilt-finished verge movement, finely pierced and engraved scroll decorated balance cock and foot, white enamel dial, Roman numerals, translucent polychrome enamel floral decorated on engine-turned ground, similarly decorated châtelaine, comes in a later fitted retail case...
Gold