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.
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.
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.
Jean-Marc Vacheron gives a contract to his first apprentice, marking the official birth date of the company.
In 1770, Vacheron Constantin created the world's first horological complication, a significant milestone in the history of watchmaking.
Abraham Vacheron, son of Jean-Marc Vacheron, successfully manages the company during the 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.
In 1790, Vacheron Constantin created the world's first watch complication, marking a significant milestone in watch manufacturing history.
Jacques Barthélémi Vacheron, grandson of Jean-Marc Vacheron, leads the company and introduces complications and musical timepieces.
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.
In 1824, Vacheron Constantin introduced the jumping-hour watch, showcasing innovation and precision in timekeeping.
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.
Georges-Auguste Leschot introduces new tools like the pantograph, revolutionizing production with interchangeable parts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vacheron Constantin developed the first nonmagnetic timepiece in 1885, featuring a unique construction resistant to magnetic fields.
In 1887, Vacheron & Constantin underwent reorganization to become a joint-stock company, marking a significant change in its corporate structure.
Vacheron Constantin produces its first ladies wristwatch.
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.
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.
The first Vacheron & Constantin boutique in Geneva was established in 1906, signifying the brand's expansion and presence in its home city.
Starting from 1910, Vacheron Constantin began producing pocket watches alongside wristwatches, often equipped with LeCoultre ebauches.
Vacheron Constantin introduces the innovative Tonneau Case, popular with both male and female clients.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In 1940, Georges Ketterer obtained the majority portion of Vacheron & Constantin's stock from Charles Constantin, altering the ownership structure of the company.
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.
In 1970, Vacheron & Constantin officially changed its name to Vacheron Constantin, reflecting a rebranding and evolution of the company.
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.
In 1979, Vacheron Constantin produced Kallista, one of the most expensive wristwatches in the world, featuring exquisite craftsmanship and luxury design.
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.
In 1992, Vacheron Constantin introduced the world's thinnest minute repeater, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and technical prowess.
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.
Vacheron Constantin inaugurated its new headquarters and manufacturing facility in Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva in 2004, showcasing its commitment to innovation and craftsmanship.
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.
In 2007, Vacheron Constantin introduced the Métiers d'Art 'Les Masques' collection of timepieces featuring miniature reproductions of primitive art masks.
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.
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.
In 2015, Vacheron Constantin introduced the pocket watch Reference 57260, known as the most complicated mechanical watch ever made, featuring 57 horological complications.
The event covers the historical background and evolution of the luxury watchmaker Vacheron Constantin.