Vacheron Constantin
A Tonic for Collectors — Vacheron Constantin to the Rescue
Vacheron Constantin
A Tonic for Collectors — Vacheron Constantin to the Rescue
A few years ago, Cartier tried the same, but seems to have gone quiet about its programme to source vintage watches, service them sympathetically and sell them through the main boutiques. Now it is Vacheron Constantin’s turn, with a project they have dubbed Les Collectionneurs. In the company’s terms, they aptly describe the select pieces as “watches ready for a new life”.
Vacheron Constantin’s experts have been tasked with hunting down select pieces, using sources ranging from auction houses to private collections, which are then restored at the factory. Each watch will be supplied to the client with a certificate of authenticity and a generous two-year guarantee. This is a remarkable gesture of faith, with some of the pieces nearly a century old.
At the boutique, guests were shown a selection of models that featured pocket watches manufactured between 1927 and 1953, and wristwatches manufactured between 1927 and 1963. The company says that the wristwatch selection will “evolve over time” and will be presented for sale to brand aficionados at dedicated events organised in Vacheron Constantin boutiques around the world.
“Les Collectionneurs represents another facet of Vacheron Constantin,” said Christian Selmoni, Style & Heritage Director. “The collection perpetuates this precious link between past and present, enabling our clientele of connoisseurs and collectors to acquire restored vintage pieces directly through the Maison, which is a real guarantee. As for the events organised around the world to unveil these pieces, they attract both seasoned collectors and young generations eager to delve more deeply into watchmaking history.”
Highlights of the London selection include a yellow gold ultra-thin minute repeater from 1951 of which less than 40 pieces were produced, a model 4072 chronograph and four pocket watches, among them an extremely rare 18k gold two-tone jumping hours pocket watch from 1927. “Les Collectionneurs” will be present at the London boutique from 3 June to 17 July 2019.