At the invitation of Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, Vacheron Constantin is launching Concours d'Élégance Horlogère for enthusiasts and collectors worldwide who own Vacheron Constantin pocket watches or wristwatches. 

Seven prizes will be awarded on November 10th, 2026 by an international jury of experts, co-chaired by Aurel Bacs, Senior Consultant at Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, and Christian Selmoni, Director of Style and Heritage at Vacheron Constantin. 

Vacheron Constantin, at the initiative of Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, is proud to announce the first "Vacheron Constantin Concours d'Élégance Horlogère", a major event that pays tribute to the international community of collectors and enthusiasts, guardians and transmitters of a 270-year quest for excellence and creativity. 

An inaugural edition in the industry

In a context of strong momentum in the vintage watch market, this competition strengthens the dialogue between the Maison and a very active community. It also represents an opportunity to welcome more watch enthusiasts and to reinforce existing links with the world of watch auctions. 

The collaboration with Phillips brings unparalleled expertise in the appraisal and presentation of historical timepieces. Their in-depth knowledge of the collectible watch market will allow for the presentation of a selection of pieces that illustrate the diversity and unique richness of Vacheron Constantin. 

Beyond its aim to unite and engage the collector community, this event takes on a heritage dimension. “Following our 270th anniversary celebrations, this competition allows us to further honour those who preserve and promote the Maison's expertise and history”, according to Christian Selmoni, Vacheron Constantin Heritage & Style Director. “It also creates new opportunities for exchange, particularly with members of exclusive communities such as The Hour Club.” 

The competition will highlight historical and contemporary pieces, celebrating the art of haute horlogerie in all its forms and emphasising the importance of transmitting and preserving heritage. 

A tribute to heritage and the quest for horological excellence

The competition is open to owners of Vacheron Constantin pocket watches and wristwatches launched between 1755 and 1999. Quartz watches, clocks and pieces that have undergone major modifications, as listed in the regulations, are excluded. 

Eligible pieces will be evaluated according to nine criteria: authenticity, elegance, rarity, impact on the history of Vacheron Constantin and/or on watchmaking in general, provenance, technicality, métiers d'art (artistic crafts), state of preservation and emotional dimension. Each watch will only be allowed to compete in one of the seven categories of this edition, at the owner's choice: 

Chiming mechanism: pocket watches and wristwatches equipped exclusively with a minute repeater, quarter repeater, half-quarter repeater or grande sonnerie. Chronographs: pocket watches and wristwatches equipped with a two- or three-counter chronograph, a single pusher, or a split-seconds mechanism. 

Astronomical complications: pocket watches and wristwatches equipped with a triple calendar, a complete calendar or a perpetual calendar. Multiple complications: pocket watches and wristwatches combining at least two complications - tourbillon, repeater (quarters or minutes), chiming mechanism, chronograph, split-seconds, complete or perpetual calendar, sky chart. 

Chronomètre Royal: pocket watches and wristwatches bearing the official designation "Chronomètre Royal" issued from 1907. Métiers d'art: pocket watches and wristwatches featuring engraving, enamelling, gem - setting, guilloché or any other decorative craft, with the exception of skeleton pieces. Design: pocket watches and wristwatches featuring Vacheron Constantin's signature design, either in the case or through the time display - retrograde display, jumping hour, world time, etc. 

Registration will be open from January 19th to April 30th, 2026, on vacheron-constantin.com and in the Maison's boutiques. The awards in the form of trophies, without financial compensation, will be granted in Geneva on November 10th, 2026, after the Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo autumn auctions.

Registration will be open from January 19th to April 30th, 2026 in Vacheron Constantin boutiques or online on a dedicated page, linked here.

About Vacheron Constantin

Founded in 1755, Vacheron Constantin is the world’s oldest watch Manufacture in continuous production for more than 270 years, faithfully perpetuating a proud heritage of watchmaking excellence and stylistic sophistication through generations of master craftsmen. At the pinnacle of Haute Horlogerie and understated elegance, the Maison creates timepieces with unique technical and aesthetic signatures, and an extremely high level of finishing touches. Vacheron Constantin brings to life unparalleled heritage and a spirit of innovation through its collections: Patrimony, Traditionnelle, Métiers d’Art, Overseas, Fifty six, Historiques and Égérie. It also offers its discerning clientele of connoisseurs the rare opportunity to acquire vintage pieces within the Les Collectionneurs assortment, as well as unique and bespoke timepieces by means of its Les Cabinotiers department.

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