Vacheron Constantin has announced the launch of the Vacheron Constantin Concours d’Élégance Horlogère, a unique competition in the world of fine watchmaking that seeks to recognise the historical, aesthetic and technical value of the Maison’s timepieces. The project was initiated by Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo and is aimed at collectors and enthusiasts around the world who own pocket watches or wristwatches made by the Geneva-based manufacturer.
The competition will award seven prizes, which will be announced on 10 November 2026 in Geneva 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. The awards will be presented in the form of trophies, without any monetary prize, following the autumn auctions organised by Phillips.
The registration period will be open from 19 January to 30 April 2026, both in Vacheron Constantin boutiques and via a digital platform on its official website. The competition is open to watches produced between 1755 and 1999, excluding quartz watches, table clocks and pieces that have undergone significant modifications, in accordance with the competition rules.
This inaugural edition marks a distinctive moment for the watchmaking industry, bringing the concept of Concours d’Élégance, traditionally linked to other collecting disciplines, into the realm of Haute Horlogerie. Against a backdrop of growing interest in historical and vintage watches, the initiative strengthens the dialogue between the Maison and a particularly active international community, while forging closer ties with the world of specialised auctions.
The participating pieces will be evaluated according to nine criteria, including authenticity, elegance, rarity, impact on the history of Vacheron Constantin and watchmaking in general, provenance, technical aspects, artistic crafts, state of preservation and emotional dimension. Each watch may compete in only one of the seven established categories, ranging from striking mechanisms and chronographs to astronomical complications, multiple complications, Chronomètre Royal creations, pieces noted for their métiers d’art, and emblematic designs of the Maison.
In addition to its competitive dimension, the Concours d’Élégance Horlogère is conceived as a tribute to watchmaking heritage and to those who have contributed to preserving it over generations. The event will highlight both historical pieces and contemporary creations, underlining the importance of passing on the know-how and cultural heritage associated with Haute Horlogerie.
With over 270 years of uninterrupted history, Vacheron Constantin is thus strengthening its position as a cultural benchmark in the sector, offering an event that combines technical excellence, heritage and recognition of collecting as a key element in the continuity of watchmaking tradition.
