Wanting to know what the best Vacheron Constantin watches are? Here at Watches World, we’ve created this simple and easy-to-read guide on the prestigious Swiss luxury watchmaker, complete with all the details you need to know on worthy investment pieces, iconic Vacheron Constantin watches and how this brand has become one of the world’s oldest and most renowned watch manufacturers in the world.

Vacheron Constantin was first founded in 1755 and is one of the oldest watchmakers that remains in production within the industry. Belonging to the “Holy Trinity” of watches, it sits up there with the likes of Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe – three leaders that remain at the forefront of innovation, luxury and prestige. It is the developer of the world’s most complicated pocket watch (the reference 57260 comprising a total of 57 complications) and is known for its horological innovations including the Les Cabinotiers Celestia Astronomical Grand Complication 3600 – Vacheron Constantin’s most complicated watch. It took over 5 years to develop, featuring a tourbillon with a three-week power reserve and 23 astronomical complications. Some of the most notable creations from the reputable watchmaker include the Overseas, the Fifty-Six, the Patrimony, the Traditionelle and the Historiques watch among others.  

With over 260 years of watchmaking expertise under its belt, it’s easy to see how a brand like Vacheron Constantin has become loved amongst elite watch-collecting circles. Its careful use of materials, backed by unparalleled know-how and brand provenance, guarantees a level of reliability and a value proposition that can be matched by very few on the market. Before we begin our detailed look at watches made by Vacheron Constantin, let’s take a look at some FAQs…

FAQs

What is the cost of a Vacheron Constantin watch?

It’s impossible to avoid putting the words “Vacheron Constantin” and “expensive watch” into the same sentence. The two go hand-in-hand together. That’s because the Swiss watchmaker has been beautifully crafting timepieces for over two centuries and that comes at a price. From the most affordable entry-level Vacheron Constantin watch to the most expensive Vacheron Constantin watch – you can expect to pay more than the average price of a luxury watch. This higher-priced bracket reflects the brand’s positioning within the industry. To me and you, “High Horology” may not mean much, but an extra 150 years of experience over Rolex (the most well-known watch brand in the universe) puts a brand like Vacheron in a special category of its own. Its timepieces hold their value better than most other brands on the market, making each purchase a solid investment. As you can imagine, the rarer the timepiece - the more desirable it becomes. Therefore, a Vacheron Constantin limited edition watch, for example, will hold its value well.

What was the famous pocket watch that Vacheron Constantin made?

The Vacheron Constantin pocket watch 57260 pushed the Patek Philippe Caliber 89 (with its total of 33 complications) off the top position for the most complicated watch in the world when it launched to mark the company’s 260th anniversary in 2015, boasting no less than 57 complications. It is estimated that the value of this pocket watch is now around $8 million and was commissioned by an anonymous American collector.

What was the famous pocket watch that Vacheron Constantin made?

What is the most expensive Vacheron Constantin watch?

In 1979, the Swiss watchmaker produced the Kallista – a multi million dollar watch that became one of the most expensive watches in the world. The one-of-a-kind diamond watch was conceptualised by designer and artist, Raymond Moretti, boasting a staggering 118 emerald-cut diamonds and a value held at around $11 million. Other highly-priced watches from the company include complex models demonstrating some of the finest watchmaking artistry. These include grand complications like the Patrimony Traditionelle, the Malte Tourbillon Regulator, and the Overseas Dual Time. The bottom line (whether looking at new or pre-owned models), however, is that Vacheron Constantin prices are generally high since you’re paying for the exclusivity that comes with venturing into the world of elite watch collecting. The truth is, you get what you pay for when it comes to investing in a timepiece from a watchmaker synonymously linked with luxury and grandeur in the way that Patek Philippe is.

What is the most affordable Vacheron Constantin watch?

Starting at around $12,000 from new, the Vacheron Constantin Fifty-Six watch is the most affordable model from the famed watchmaker. The Egerie collection is a close follower. The range of Vacheron Constantin women’s watches is one of the most budget-friendly series, retailing for around $19,000.

Who owns Vacheron Constantin?

Since the year 1996, Vacheron Constantin has been a subsidiary of the Swiss Richemont Group – a luxury goods holding company founded in 1988 that also owns the likes of Cartier, Panerai, Montblanc, Baume & Mercier, A. Lange & Sohne, Panerai and Piaget amongst many others.

How do you pronounce Vacheron Constantin?

Vacheron Constantin is pronounced “Va-Shuh-Ron-kon-Stuhn-Tin”

What was the famous pocket watch that Vacheron Constantin made?

A guide to Vacheron Constantin all models

From new Vacheron Constantin watches to old Vacheron Constantin watches, the brand continually evolves to offer a diversified range of timepieces to suit all tastes. Whilst many devoted collectors adore the more traditionally styled watches found within the Historiques collection, the Fifty-Six line offers a more cosmopolitan style that will be appreciated by contemporary collectors. From classic timepieces like the Traditionelle to more complex companions such as the Patrimony watch, here’s a guide to the main collections found within Vacheron Constantin’s exquisite catalogue of timepieces to help you figure out the best watch to kick-start your collection.

The Patrimony

The Patrimony collection is home to several stylish men’s Vacheron Constantin watches that are perfect for wearing alongside formal attire, as well as something more elegant by night. These designs reinterpret the history of the brand in a contemporary and understated way. Amongst these quality dress watches are minute repeaters, perpetual calendars and world time watches for avid travellers who want to track the time across 37 timezones. Some Patrimony models are the thinnest of their kind, with cases offered in a range of materials including platinum and rose gold, not to mention white gold and more traditional yellow gold. To give you an idea of cost, the watches from this range start at around $24,000. Simple and elegant, the style of a Patrimony watch is inspired by vintage designs from the 1950s, whilst the Patrimony Ultra-Thin Calibre 1731 model, for example, remains the flattest mechanical minute repeater watch to date.

The Patrimony

Traditionelle

Undeniably, a most popular Vacheron Constantin watch to own, the Traditionelle watch is characterised by a stepped case that is round in shape and a slim bezel that affords more space to timekeeping on the main dial. A fluted caseback conceals a mechanical movement, beautifully crafted in-house at Vacheron Constantin, whilst a railway minute track remains one of the other key hallmarks of this special line. The hour markers on the dial of a Vacheron dress watch from this line are the “Geneva Baton” type and combine tastefully with a set of dauphine-shaped hands to present the time clearly and concisely. More mechanically complex than the Patrimony, the Traditionelle family holds a mix of ultra-thin models and, of course, a stunning Vacheron diamond watch or two. Classically elegant though, the dials of these models remain reserved for timekeeping everywhere and anywhere, with prices starting around the region of $24,000 and reaching up to $90.00 for exquisite diamond-set models.

Traditionelle

Fifty-Six

As far as Vacheron Constantin men’s watches go, the models from the Fifty-Six line are both practical, functional and stylish. Inspired by the Maltese cross emblem acquired by the brand for its shape resembling a barrel used for limiting tension in a mainspring, the Fifty-Six watches feature this motif on an openworked rose gold oscillating weight shown through the back of the case. The Fifty-Six watch will appeal to you if you’re drawn to timepieces with a retro flair. Top models from the range include a complete calendar, whilst others inspired by a 1956 model, come in the form of three-handed time and date watches as well as day-date models. You can tell a Fifty-Six watch by its hour track, with alternating Arabic numerals and indices that surround a set of luminous-coated central hands for added legibility at night. The crown of a Fifty-Six watch from Vacheron Constantin is partially integrated into the side of the case on the right and has also been adorned with the Maltese cross.

Fifty-Six

Overseas

If you’re looking for a Vacheron dive watch, the Overseas model has an impressive water-resistant rating of 150 meters, along with several other features that make this instrument a great companion for adventure. The model was released at the height of the luxury sports watch craze with a model that followed on from the famous 222 reference. Unlike Audemars Piguet’s famous Royal Oak and Patek Philippe’s Nautilus watch, however, the Overseas watch was not designed by Gerald Genta, giving the robust watch a distinguishing feature. It is recognised for its hexagonal bezel that evokes the Maltese cross, a fluted crown, a translucent lacquered dial for enhanced readability in dark conditions and a sapphire-backed case that reveals a 22k gold oscillating weight adorned with a compass rose. The Vacheron Constantin Overseas watch remains a symbol of travel and exploration with its interchangeable strap options and an automatic movement that not only promises a superior power reserve but sits within a soft iron carriage cage that protects it from damage caused by magnetic disturbances.

Overseas

Malte

Released even earlier than the 1919 Cartier Tank watch, the Vacheron Constantin Malte watch features a svelte elongated case design that, to this day, still demonstrates the brand’s quest for elegant expression and bold eye-catching shapes. The collection is a unique mixture of emblematic curves and harmonious lines that enable you to make the most out of the watch, whether pairing it with a professional suit or a pair of jeans at the weekend. This powerful Tonneau shape is married with understated hour markers and, in some designs, an openworked feature that exposes elements of the model’s beating heart inside. In other designs, a central hour and minute hand are accompanied by a 6 o’clock small second sub-dial, whilst a choice of diamond-set bezels and 18ct gold cases elevate some of these designs to a more sophisticated level for formal affairs. You can expect to spend around $26,000 as a starting price for a men’s two-handed model, whilst more complicated designs featuring a moon phase indicator and power reserve are priced at around $40,000.

Malte

Historiques

The Historiques watch collection is where you’ll find some of the brand’s most classic styles. The family is home to modern interpretations of icons from the past and draws inspiration from some of the leading brand’s most legendary creations. For more than 20 years, this line has been reinvigorating timepieces that feel and operate in a wholly modern way, yet excite and fascinate with their nods back to yesteryear. The Historiques American 1921 is a stand-out timepiece from this series with a crown that appears in the upper right corner of the case and a main time display that has been rotated clockwise by a 45-degree angle., The small second sub-dial that appears in the bottom right section of the dial, however, has not been rotated. This approach to telling the time is incredibly unique, only adding further to its desirability and its unusual appeal. If you’re looking for a watch that tells more than just the time alone, however, look to a model like the Historiques Triple Calendrier 1942, which offers a day and month display in addition to the date. Prices for Vacheron Historiques watches begin at around $35,000.

Historiques

Overview

If you’re researching the market for top Vacheron Constantin watches, this guide has hopefully equipped you with all the knowledge you need. You can buy Vacheron Constantin watches online here at Watches World. Whether looking for new, or pre-owned models or wanting to exchange your watch for another, contact a member of our specialist team today who can talk you through all the details required to make your experience with us extra memorable. To acquire your dream watch from Vacheron Constantin, buy online today with us at Watches World.