As of last October 2023, Les Collectionneurs timepieces can be purchased at selected Vacheron Constantin boutiques, and for the first time they are available on Vacheron Constantin's website, which makes it easy to make an appointment at the boutiques involved. This new online service allows people to learn in advance all the details regarding the creations and to express their interest in viewing them live
Since 2008, Vacheron Constantin has specialized in vintage watchmaking with Les Collectionneurs, a collection of timepieces that offers a glimpse into the Maison's universe in the 20th century.
It is now possible to explore this collection, consisting of an ever-changing selection of vintage watches, by visiting the Vacheron Constantin website. Interested customers can discover all the peculiarities of the new watches tracked down by Vacheron Constantin experts and ask for all the details regarding this special selection and its presentation. In addition, those who visit the website can request that other vintage timepieces be examined by the Maison's experts. Although they are visible online, these vintage watches can only be purchased in Vacheron Constantin boutiques.
For collectors, this is an opportunity to show their interest by registering on the site, as well as to make an appointment at one of the selected boutiques in the United States, Shanghai and Dubai according to their preferences.
Technical know-how and historical heritage
The Maison's Heritage experts are responsible for locating these watches within their network. Vacheron Constantin's archives - a fundamental point of reference - cover three centuries of history starting with the first recorded document in 1711, namely the apprenticeship contract signed by Jean-Marc Vacheron. The nearly 420 linear meters of sales, production, correspondence and other iconographic records are complemented by 1,600 watchmaking items from the 18th century to the present. This profusion of documents allows the Maison's experts to ensure the traceability of all timepieces that have left its workshops since 1775. After each acquisition of a vintage timepiece, the first step is to record the serial numbers of the case and movement, which are kept in Vacheron Constantin's archives for authentication purposes.
Next, technical diagnosis determines whether the model needs simple cleaning, repair, or, or a major intervention such as replacement of defective or missing components. An oxidized dial, missing hands, gears with blunt teeth, or a damaged barrel spring are all challenges that must be met and overcome. Within the Manufacture's three ateliers that handle these models depending on the era to which they belong, watchmakers can restore any watch produced by the Maison since its origins. The common goal is to intervene while respecting the work of the watchmakers of the past, so as not to alter the timepiece. To complete this work, the watchmakers have entire stocks of period components and a large stock of historical machinery that allow them to create this or that element of a movement. All major operations performed on a timepiece are documented in detail in a booklet that is given to the customer so that the various stages of restoration can be fully explained.
Once the historical authentication and maintenance steps have been completed, the watches are delivered with a certificate of authenticity, a two-year warranty, and a blockchain-based Digital Passport that ensures reliability and transparency for the future life of the timepiece.
Christian Selmoni, Style & Haritage Director
Is this a new step forward by Les Collectionneurs?
Since 2008 Vacheron Constantin has gained a lot of experience with its Les Collectionneurs selection, enough to now "institutionalize" it. By this I mean that the Maison has now turned this proposal into a real collection, which appears on its website just like the other collections. Vacheron Constantin began researching and restoring antique timepieces about 15 years ago, with the goal of meeting the demands of its collector clientele. Considering that Vacheron Constantin is a watchmaking Manufacture of and for experts in the field, it seemed to make sense for us to explore this vintage universe, especially since we have all the necessary expertise-both historically and technically-to present a serious, thoughtful and attractive offer. For a long time, the events organized to present these creations were almost private meetings with clients. Today this is no longer the case, as interest in this type of timepiece is growing, fueled by increasing numbers of passionate admirers. In this context, the Maison has decided to go a step further by offering the timepieces online with their characteristics, such as all the information about the boutiques where they can be purchased and also offering the possibility of making an appointment with our experts.
What are the main challenges you face during model selection?
First of all, we need to find models that are neither too rare nor too common. They must not be too damaged, nor too recent or too old. Very rare pieces are destined for auctions where prices far exceed what the Maison offers with Les Collectionneurs. The same applies if the restoration involves too many components and is therefore too expensive. Creations that are too old are aimed primarily at specialists, while those that are too recent cannot be considered vintage. With these assumptions, it is all about finding timepieces with specific characteristics that can make them sufficiently attractive to collectors. This could be an original dial, an exceptional caliber, a celebratory creation, artistic models or Grand Complications. Any combination can do the trick, provided one knows how to assess their relevance from a historical point of view. In theory, this might seem a simple task. In practice, it is not at all. That is why the Maison's Heritage experts must be very capable in this field and have the right networks to find these kinds of timepieces. Once acquired, the watches are taken over according to a well-trodden process within the Manufacture.
What are the specifics of the selections you offer?
They are rich and varied and include both wristwatches and pocket watches. The calibres that animate them range from ultra-flat to complications, and the dials are all highly original. Collectors will find highly sought-after 1940s chronographs, artistic watches, Grand Complications and three-hand models equipped with exceptional movements. If one looks closely at the distinctive features of these selections, one will notice that they encapsulate much of Vacheron Constantin's vintage production for men and women, where today the line between the two categories is increasingly blurred. In the field of mechanical watchmaking, just as in the field of style and trends, Vacheron Constantin has always been at the forefront of creativity.
