The house
Jean-Marc Vacheron established his workshop in Geneva in 1755. In 1819, François Constantin joined the business, and the company's famous motto, to do better if possible, and that is always possible, is associated with that partnership. The Maltese cross emblem became part of the brand's identity in the nineteenth century and remains its signature.
Milestones
- 1755: Founding in Geneva, which makes it the oldest watch manufacture in continuous operation.
- 1921: The Historiques American 1921, a cushion-case watch with a distinctive 45-degree crown placement that has returned in modern collections.
- 1977: The 222, a steel sports watch that is a forerunner of the modern Overseas collection.
Why collectors care
Vacheron Constantin is part of Geneva's “holy trinity” of haute horlogerie with Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet in many collectors' conversations. Vintage Vacheron dress watches often combine excellent finishing with lower visibility than rival names, which can make them rewarding for informed buyers.
Vintage models to explore
- Mid-century manual-wind dress watches in gold
- The 222 from 1977, valued for its sports-watch design
- Early chronographs and calendar watches
This profile is a historical overview. Confirm production details through the manufacturer's archive services or a specialist before purchase.