There are very (very) few luxury brands whose histories run as deep as Vacheron Constantin. The luxury Swiss watchmaker turns 270 years old this year, and you don’t get to that ripe age without out mastering a thing or two, or ten, or a dozen…
The pursuit of fine workmanship has defined the Maison’s identity since 1755, and as it embarks on a year-long celebration to commemorate its remarkable 270th anniversary, Vacheron Constantin isn’t simply reveling in its past achievements; it is using the anniversary as a springboard to propel the brand forward, emphasizing its enduring pursuit of horological mastery.
A hint of what’s to come is offered with the unveiling of its first anniversary timepiece, the Historiques 222 in steel. This exquisite watch serves as a testament to Vacheron Constantin’s rich heritage, drawing inspiration from a model first released in 1977 to celebrate the brand’s 222nd anniversary. Designed by Jorg Hysek, the model was an immediate departure from the sports watch conventions of the time, which had mainly been professional models for pilots, divers and explorers, and captured a new cultural mood that blurred the lines between formality and sportiness. As well as marking a break with traditional sports watch characteristics, the 222 was a quintessentially 1970s design and introduced a new stylistic signature to the Maison.
Nicknamed ‘Jumbo’ by collectors and featuring a blue dial framed by a 37 mm stainless steel case, the latest edition of the Historiques 222 embodies the brand’s perfect marriage of tradition and modernity, showcasing the watchmaker’s ability to reinterpret classic design elements through a contemporary lens.
Within the carefully preserved archives located in the basement of Vacheron Constantin’s impressive state-of-the-art HQ in Geneva is a letter handwritten by Francois Constantin to his associate Jacques-Barthelemi Vacheron from 1819. It reads: “Do better if possible, and that is always possible.”
Although it was written more than 200 years ago, it is an ethos that continues to play a defining role in the historical watchmaker’s present and future, translating into a focus on exceptional craftsmanship, meticulous attention to detail, and a relentless quest for innovation.
With the combination of the Historiques 222 in Stainless Steel drop and a new communication campaign at the beginning of 2025, we can expect a series of captivating events and releases from Vacheron Constantin throughout its 270th year.
The campaign refers to the quest for excellence that has always motivated Vacheron Constantin, both in the most accomplished expression of the art of watchmaking and in the promotion and transmission of knowledge. The result is a visual story of a human adventure which longevity is entirely dependent on a quest for beauty.
“Tracing Vacheron Constantin’s past involves looking back at a large swathe of watchmaking history – and as one of the oldest watchmaking Maisons in continuous operation, we undoubtedly have a greater duty of remembrance than any other,” says Christian Selmoni, Style & Heritage Director of Vacheron Constantin. “These milestone anniversaries celebrate a philosophy that combines mechanical research and innovation with a deep commitment to craft and a stylistic approach that is both progressive and highly respectful of classical elegance. While talking about the Maison’s remarkable heritage is one thing, putting it into practice is another.”
In other words, a quest to always do better, if possible.