For anyone with more than a passing interest in wristwatches, the name Vacheron Constantin takes on a reverential tone.
Still today the 263-year-old champion of high watchmaking is one of the most revered in the industry, creating showpiece watches of significance.The star last year—it won the watch world’s equivalent of an Oscar—was the Les Cabinotiers Celestia Astronomical Grand Complication, a unique piece that can mechanically map out your life in no fewer than 23 separate complications.
But take heart: Vacheron Constantin is just as mindful of the other end of its market. This month heralds in a new chapter in its history with the launch of the Fiftysix: an elegant collection with a design inspired by a historical Vacheron Constantin watch dating back to 1956, but with instilling a modern momentum capable of opening up the world of fine watchmaking to every enthusiast.
Available in a number of iterations with a gold or steel case, self-winding movements from simple to complicated, the watch at its simplest features a three-hand display and a date window. The alluringly monochromatic 40mm steel version is an instant classic, from a house with a storied reputation for producing just that.
ONE OF NOT MANY
Why Vacheron Constantin is the connoisseur’s choice:
In the prestigious realm of Fine Watchmaking, history and legacy is everything. And there are few brands (if any) that can claim to rival the depth of history of Vacheron Constantin – the world’s oldest continually active watch manufacturer.
For more than 260 years, it has remained haute horologists par excellence, constantly reinventing itself in keeping with the purest Fine Watchmaking traditions, prized by exclusive circles of Fine Watchmaking connoisseurs. Its philosophy is grounded on knowledge, rather than outward appearance. The constant innovation, the spirit of exploration, the uncompromisingly high standards of its watchmakers, and its ability to adapt to the times.
“The watch industry represents over one billion watches per year, of which only 25 million are produced in Switzerland and barely 500,000 can lay claim to Fine Watchmaking status,” explains Louis Ferla, CEO Vacheron Constantin. “Within this context, Vacheron Constantin focuses on limited and reasonable production volumes, as required to offer the highest level of quality, aesthetics and expertise. In this respect we are resolutely one of not many.”
To embody this spirit, the Maison enlisted talented artists, such as musician James Bay, composer Benjamin Clementine, adventurer Cory Richards and disruptive designer Ora Ïto as the faces of its new campaign.
Hugely respected in their fields, their personalities, drive and creativity mirror that same spirit of innovation and never-ending quest for excellence. Together with the brand, these men represent distinctive, visionary and respected talents valued by connoisseurs of the arts, making then – much like Vacheron Constantin – one of not many
