Get ready for an exciting global event that will showcase the world of haute horlogerie! Vacheron Constantin, the renowned Swiss watchmaker, is about to revolutionize the watch collector's game.
In a move reminiscent of the auto world's iconic competitions, Vacheron Constantin is launching a unique watch competition, partnering with Phillips and Bacs & Russo. The Vacheron Constantin Concours d'Élégance Horlogère will celebrate both historical and contemporary masterpieces, offering a platform for collectors and enthusiasts to showcase their prized possessions.
But here's where it gets intriguing: the competition has specific criteria. Collectors must submit pocket or wristwatches from the brand, launched between 1755 and 1999. This excludes quartz watches, clocks, and heavily modified pieces, ensuring a focus on the brand's rich heritage and craftsmanship.
The competition is divided into seven captivating categories. First up is the chiming mechanism, celebrating timepieces with exclusive minute repeaters and other intricate chimes. Next, we have chronographs, showcasing watches with various counter mechanisms. The astronomical complications category highlights calendars and perpetual calendars, while the multiple complications category is for watches with at least two unique features.
The last three categories are equally fascinating: the Chronomètre Royal category compares officially designated watches, métiers d'art celebrates artistic craftsmanship (excluding skeleton pieces), and the design category highlights Vacheron Constantin's signature design choices.
And this is the part most people miss: the evaluation process is based on nine criteria, including authenticity, elegance, rarity, and impact on both Vacheron Constantin's history and the watchmaking industry. Each watch can only be entered into one category, so choosing wisely is crucial!
The judges are an impressive lineup of experts, designers, and historians from around the globe. Watch historian Nicholas Foulkes, Urwerk cofounder Felix Baumgartner, and vintage watch expert Auro Montanari are just a few of the notable names. Aurel Bacs, watch specialist and cofounder of Bacs & Russo, along with Christian Selmoni, Vacheron Constantin's heritage and style director, will oversee the jury.
Aurel Bacs shared his excitement, stating, "As a lifelong enthusiast of Concours d'Élégance, I've always dreamed of bringing this concept to fine watchmaking. I'm thrilled that Vacheron Constantin has embraced this idea, and I can't wait to see the inspiring discoveries and conversations that emerge from this competition."
You can join this extraordinary competition starting January 19th, with submissions open until April 30th. Sign up on Vacheron's website or visit their stores. The winners will receive their trophies and the ultimate bragging rights on November 10th, following Phillips and Bacs & Russo's fall auctions.
So, are you ready to witness the ultimate celebration of watchmaking excellence? Let the countdown begin!
