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2024-09-22 08:20:01

Vacheron Constantin

Swiss luxury watch manufacturer
Swiss luxury watch manufacturer

Vacheron Constantin, founded in 1755, is one of the oldest watch manufacturers. It is known for its highly regarded timepieces and innovative designs. The company is a subsidiary of the Richemont Group and employs around 1,200 people globally.

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1695
Claim of Establishment by Graham Watches

Graham Watches claim to have been around since 1695, but they are not directly related to their historical namesake. Their longevity and authenticity are subject to debate.

1735
Establishment of Blancpain

Blancpain, established in 1735, is one of the older watchmakers. However, it faced challenges during the Quartz Crisis and is no longer as prominent as it once was.

1755-09-17
Founding of Vacheron Constantin

Jean-Marc Vacheron gives a contract to his first apprentice, marking the official birth date of the company.

1770
Creation of World's First Horological Complication by Vacheron Constantin

In 1770, Vacheron Constantin created the world's first horological complication, a significant milestone in the history of watchmaking.

1785
Abraham Vacheron Succeeds His Father

Abraham Vacheron, son of Jean-Marc Vacheron, successfully manages the company during the French Revolution.

1789
Vacheron Constantin Faces Challenges During French Revolution

During the French Revolution in 1789, demand for Vacheron Constantin's watches collapsed, posing a significant challenge to the Geneva Manufacture to keep its business alive.

1790
World's First Watch Complication

In 1790, Vacheron Constantin created the world's first watch complication, marking a significant milestone in watch manufacturing history.

1810
Jacques Barthélémi Vacheron Takes Over

Jacques Barthélémi Vacheron, grandson of Jean-Marc Vacheron, leads the company and introduces complications and musical timepieces.

1819-07-05
Introduction of Vacheron Constantin's motto

The motto of Vacheron Constantin, 'Faire mieux si possible, ce qui est toujours possible' (Do better if possible, and that is always possible), was first mentioned in a letter dated July 5, 1819, emphasizing the brand's commitment to excellence.

1824
Jumping-Hour Watch

In 1824, Vacheron Constantin introduced the jumping-hour watch, showcasing innovation and precision in timekeeping.

1833
Georges-Auguste Leschot joins Vacheron and Constantin

In 1833, Vacheron and Constantin hired Georges-Auguste Leschot to oversee manufacturing operations. Leschot's innovative inventions, including the standardization of watch movements into Calibers, revolutionized the watchmaking industry.

1839
Georges-Auguste Leschot Revolutionizes Production

Georges-Auguste Leschot introduces new tools like the pantograph, revolutionizing production with interchangeable parts.

1844
Georges-Auguste Leschot awarded gold medal

In 1844, Georges-Auguste Leschot received a gold medal from the Arts Society of Geneva for his pantographic device, which could mechanically engrave small watch parts and dials. His inventions had a significant impact on watchmaking.

1854
Death of François Constantin

After the death of François Constantin in 1854, the leadership of Vacheron Constantin passed on to a series of heirs. His contributions to the company's growth and international expansion were notable.

1863
Death of Jacques-Barthélemy Vacheron

Following the death of Jacques-Barthélemy Vacheron in 1863, the management of Vacheron Constantin underwent changes as control shifted to different successors. Vacheron's legacy continued through the company's evolution.

1875
Relocation of Vacheron et Constantin's Workshop

In 1875, Vacheron et Constantin moved their original workshop in Geneva to a new location, which now serves as a boutique and a part of Vacheron Constantin's Heritage Department.

1880
Adoption of the Maltese Cross Logo

In 1880, Vacheron et Constantin adopted the Maltese Cross as its logo, inspired by a component of the barrel of their watches resembling a Maltese Cross. The logo is now prominently featured on their chronograph watches and dials.

1885
First Nonmagnetic Timepiece

Vacheron Constantin developed the first nonmagnetic timepiece in 1885, featuring a unique construction resistant to magnetic fields.

1887
Vacheron & Constantin reorganized into a joint-stock company

In 1887, Vacheron & Constantin underwent reorganization to become a joint-stock company, marking a significant change in its corporate structure.

1889
First Ladies Wristwatch Produced

Vacheron Constantin produces its first ladies wristwatch.

1901
Vacheron et Constantin's Watches Receive 'Geneva Seal' Mark

In 1901, Vacheron et Constantin's watches were awarded the 'Geneva Seal' mark, a new method to ensure quality and deter counterfeiters from producing accurate replicas. This mark signifies that the watch is crafted in Geneva and meets the highest standards of quality.

1903
Vacheron Constantin Designs Watch for Wright Brothers

In 1903, Vacheron Constantin was commissioned by the Wright brothers to build a portable watch for their motorized biplane named Wright Flyer. The company designed a robust pilot's watch with a chronometer manual winding movement.

1906
Opening of the first Vacheron & Constantin boutique in Geneva

The first Vacheron & Constantin boutique in Geneva was established in 1906, signifying the brand's expansion and presence in its home city.

1910
Vacheron Constantin Starts Production of Pocket Watches

Starting from 1910, Vacheron Constantin began producing pocket watches alongside wristwatches, often equipped with LeCoultre ebauches.

1912
Introduction of Tonneau Case

Vacheron Constantin introduces the innovative Tonneau Case, popular with both male and female clients.

1918
Vacheron et Constantin's 60-Second Chronograph Pocket Watches Order by American Expeditionary Force

In 1918, Vacheron et Constantin supplied over 3000 60-second chronograph pocket watches to the American Expeditionary Force for maintaining the train system in France, ensuring efficient supply deliveries during World War I.

1921
Introduction of Historiques American 1921 models

Vacheron Constantin introduced the Historiques American 1921 models in 1921, featuring cushion-shaped watches with dials slanted to 45 degrees. These watches are considered rare and unique in the watch industry.

1929
Vacheron Constantin Pocket Watch No. 402833 Auction

The Vacheron Constantin pocket watch No. 402833, owned by King Fuad I of Egypt, was auctioned in 1929 and became one of the most expensive watches ever sold, fetching US$2.77 million.

1936
Charles Constantin becomes the head of Vacheron & Constantin

In 1936, Charles Constantin assumed leadership at Vacheron & Constantin, marking a significant change as a member of the Constantin family took the helm of the company.

1938
Vacheron Constantin joins S.A.P.I.C group

In 1938, Vacheron Constantin became a member of the Société Anonyme de Produits Industriels et Commerceaux (S.A.P.I.C) group, similar to the Jaeger-LeCoultre watch factory.

1940
Georges Ketterer acquires majority stock of Vacheron & Constantin

In 1940, Georges Ketterer obtained the majority portion of Vacheron & Constantin's stock from Charles Constantin, altering the ownership structure of the company.

1955
Vacheron et Constantin's 1003 Calibre

In 1955, Vacheron et Constantin introduced the world's thinnest calibre, the 1003, measuring only 1.64mm thick. This marked a significant achievement in watchmaking history, especially during a time when wristwatch trends were shifting towards smaller and thinner designs.

1970
Official name change to Vacheron Constantin

In 1970, Vacheron & Constantin officially changed its name to Vacheron Constantin, reflecting a rebranding and evolution of the company.

1977
Introduction of Vacheron et Constantin 222

In 1977, Vacheron et Constantin introduced the 222, a steel luxury watch designed by Gérald Genta to capitalize on the popularity of stainless steel sports watches. Despite being the maison's 222nd anniversary present, it was not as successful as other models.

1979
Kallista - Most Expensive Wristwatch

In 1979, Vacheron Constantin produced Kallista, one of the most expensive wristwatches in the world, featuring exquisite craftsmanship and luxury design.

1990
Vendôme Group acquires Vacheron Constantin

In 1990, the Vendôme Group, now known as Richemont SA, took over Vacheron Constantin, leading to the emergence of high-quality timepieces under the leadership of Claude-Daniel Proelloch.

1992
World's Thinnest Minute Repeater

In 1992, Vacheron Constantin introduced the world's thinnest minute repeater, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and technical prowess.

1996
Acquisition by Richemont Group

Since 1996, Vacheron Constantin has been a subsidiary of the Swiss Richemont Group. This acquisition marked a significant development in the company's ownership and management.

2004
Opening of new headquarters and manufacture in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva

Vacheron Constantin inaugurated its new headquarters and manufacturing facility in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva in 2004, showcasing its commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.

2005-04-03
Vacheron Constantin Tour de I'lle Wristwatch Auction

On April 3, 2005, a Vacheron Constantin wristwatch Tour de I'lle fetched 1.56 million US dollars (1,876,250 CHF) in Antiquorum's Geneva auction.

2007
Introduction of Vacheron Constantin Métiers d'Art 'Les Masques' Collection

In 2007, Vacheron Constantin introduced the Métiers d'Art 'Les Masques' collection of timepieces featuring miniature reproductions of primitive art masks.

2011-06-15
Vacheron Constantin Minute Repeater Pocket Watch Auction

On June 15, 2011, a Vacheron Constantin minute repeater pocket watch (1918), which was owned by James Ward Packard, was auctioned for 1.76 million US dollars in Christie's New York auction.

2012
Introduction of Vacheron Constantin Métiers d'Art 'Les Univers Infinis' Collection

In 2012, Vacheron Constantin introduced the Métiers d'Art 'Les Univers Infinis' collection of timepieces featuring tessellation, a design of interlocking shapes inspired by the work of the Dutch artist M. C. Escher.

2015
Introduction of Vacheron Constantin Reference 57260

In 2015, Vacheron Constantin introduced the pocket watch Reference 57260, known as the most complicated mechanical watch ever made, featuring 57 horological complications.

2022-12-19
The History of Vacheron Constantin

The event covers the historical background and evolution of the luxury watchmaker Vacheron Constantin.

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Vacheron Constantin
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