In 2025 Vacheron Constantin celebrates an extraordinary milestone: the 270th anniversary of its founding. Founded in 1755 in Geneva at the hands of Jean-Marc Vacheron, the Maison is today the oldest watch manufacturer in continuous operation. Through more than two centuries of innovation, unique creations and a dedication to excellence, Vacheron Constantin has consistently combined artistry, craftsmanship and technical precision, becoming a symbol for watch enthusiasts.
Its history is studded with iconic models, extraordinary complications and exclusive collaborations that have redefined the canons of watchmaking.
In this article we will retrace the Maison’s milestones, analyzing the most significant models and innovations that have made Vacheron Constantin a benchmark in the Haute Horlogerie scene.
The Origins of Vacheron Constantin (1755-1819)
In 1755, Jean-Marc Vacheron founded his workshop in Geneva, starting the Maison that would later become the symbol of high-class watchmaking. When he was only 24 years old, Jean-Marc Vacheron signed a contract with his first apprentice, Jean François Hetier, marking the beginning of a long tradition of skill transmission. This document is considered Vacheron Constantin’s birth certificate.
In 1790, Vacheron made headlines for creating one of the first watches with complications. It was a turning point that would pave the way for the creation of increasingly complex models. However, the real turning point came in 1819, when François Constantin joined the company and the brand changed its name to Vacheron & Constantin, beginning a new phase of expansion and internationalization. With his vision, François Constantin was able to grow the brand and make its timepieces known globally.
Vacheron Constantin’s early innovations (1830-1900)
In 1839, Vacheron Constantin was among the first manufactures to introduce the pantograph, a machine that revolutionized the production of watch components due to its ability to mass produce precision parts. This innovation constituted a pivotal moment in the standardization of watch production, enabling the Maison to make increasingly precise and high-quality timepieces.
In 1869, Vacheron Constantin launched the pocket chronometer, a watch that, set with a high-precision détente escapement typical of marine chronometers, quickly became a symbol of precision and reliability. With the invention of this pocket chronometer, Vacheron Constantin took another decisive step in its relentless pursuit of technical perfection. This model, which was the result of years of development and refinement, led the Geneva-based company to win numerous awards in chronometer competitions throughout Europe.
In 1880, the Maltese Cross logo was officially registered, a symbol that still represents the Maison’s identity and craftsmanship.
Vacheron Constantin in the 20th Century (1900-1970)
In 1907, the Maison launched the Chronomètre Royal, one of the most accurate pocket watches ever made at the time. This timepiece, prized for its very high quality and the extreme precision of its movement, quickly became a symbol of excellence. The creation of this watch marked the beginning of a period of continuous research toward innovation in horological complications.
In 1932, another important chapter in Vacheron Constantin’s history was written. The Maison created, with the collaboration of Louis Cottier, a prestigious Swiss watchmaker, the ref.3372, the first watch with 24 time zones, capable of displaying the time in 31 different cities. This timepiece not only demonstrated the Maison’s technical innovation, but also its ability to anticipate the times and respond to the needs of an increasingly connected world.
In 1954, Vacheron Constantin launched the Cornes de Vache, a legendary chronograph that would become one of the most popular models among collectors. The particularity of this model lay in its horn lugs, a design that gave it a unique and elegant character, so much so that it became a symbol of the Maison’s craftsmanship in the 20th century.
In 1977, it was time for the iconic 222. To celebrate the Maison’s 222nd anniversary, Vacheron Constantin designed a luxury sports watch that became the forerunner of the future Overseas collection. This timepiece, with its innovative design and one-piece steel case was a radical departure from the Maison’s traditional pocket watches. The creation of the 222 marked a defining moment for the brand which, thus entered the era of luxury sports watches.
Vacheron Constantin’s contemporary collections (1990-2020)
In 1994 one of the most beautiful models, from the Maison, saw the light of day. It was the Mercator, a timepiece with timeless appeal made to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the death of Gerhard Kremer, known as Mercator: the man who had published, in 1959, the world’s first flat map to facilitate navigation for sailors. The dial reproduces the map of Europe in champlevé enamel, on which two retrograde, compass-shaped hands indicate the hours and minutes, respectively.
In 1996, the Overseas collection was introduced, which became a symbol of luxury sports watchmaking. This timepiece combined a sturdy case, an elegant design, and a high-precision automatic movement. This collection marked a turning point for the Maison, which appealed to a new, younger and more dynamic clientele, without ever abandoning its tradition of high quality. This model represented the perfect synthesis of luxury watchmaking and functionality, with the addition of sporty features such as water resistance.
In 2005, on the occasion of its 250th anniversary, the Maison presented the Tour de l’Île, a wristwatch with 16 complications that, thanks to Vacheron Constantin’s technical mastery of mechanical complications, won the title of the most complicated timepiece of its era.
In 2015, to celebrate the 260th anniversary, the legendary Reference 57260 was unveiled, a pocket watch that inherited from the Tour de l’Île the title of the most complicated watch ever made. With no fewer than 57 complications, including the first Jewish perpetual calendar ever incorporated into a watch, this timepiece marked a new milestone for Haute Horlogerie, becoming the highest expression of the art of watchmaking.
Vacheron Constantin’s latest masterpieces (2020-Present)
In 2022, Vacheron Constantin unveiled the Métiers d’Art Homage to Great Civilizations collection, a series of watches celebrating the great civilizations of the past such as Ancient Egypt, classical Greece, and ancient Rome. Each timepiece in this collection is not only a tribute to these extraordinary cultures, but is also distinguished by unique craftsmanship that blends tradition and innovation in a work of Haute Horlogerie.
Also in the same year, the legendary 222 made its return in the form of an extraordinary re-edition called the Historiques 222. This model, with its 37 mm diameter case and integrated bracelet, both made of yellow gold, was able to win the hearts of aficionados once again, celebrating one of the most beloved icons of the Maison’s sports watchmaking history. A watch faithful to the historic 1977 timepiece, powered, however, by a new manufacture caliber.
In 2024, the Maison unveiled Les Cabinotiers The Berkley Grand Complication, a timepiece that currently holds the record for the most complicated watch in the world. With 63 complications and 2,877 components, this masterpiece includes a Chinese perpetual calendar with mechanical programming to the year 2200, a true feat of horological engineering.
Earlier this year, Vacheron Constantin instead surprised us by introducing a new variant of theHistoriques 222, this time in steel. Faithful in design to the past model, it shares dimensions and caliber with the gold re-edition presented in 2022. This is a watch that all enthusiasts and collectors have been waiting for and which, right from the start, has been a huge success.
Conclusion
Through this article, we were able to appreciate Vacheron Constantin’s extraordinary craftsmanship in creating unique watches, better understanding why the brand is considered one of the most prestigious in watchmaking. Now, however, the question is inevitable: on the occasion of the 270th anniversary, what will the brand present for Watches and Wonders 2025? With its relentless commitment to perfection, Vacheron Constantin will surely continue to exceed expectations, blending innovation, elegance and technical expertise. Each creation is not just a watch, but a tribute to the watchmaking tradition and a work of art that embodies the skill of the best master watchmakers.
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