The prestigious Swiss watch manufacturer, Vacheron Constantin, which is a brand of the Richemont group, are now bringing a vintage selection of timepieces to their Madison Avenue boutique in New York. This rare Vacheron Constantin timepiece selection, also known as Les Collectionneurs, was culled from private collectors, auction houses and even the Swiss watchmaker’s own archival department.
Vacheron Constantin Ref. 11761 from 1951 (Priced at $362,000)
Les Collectionneurs belongs to a traveling offering of unique timepieces that has made stops in key cities such as Singapore, London and most recently, at Manhattan’s jewelry boutique, Material Goods, of which specializes in luxury gems and timepieces. The collection will continue its journey around the world after they finish their exhibition in New York, thereby debuting Les Collectionneurs in several more key cities along the way.
“The passion from Vacheron Constantin collectors is absolutely amazing,” says Selmoni. “Their deep knowledge of our vintage creations is at times even challenging for me!”
Vacheron Constantin Ref. 11561 from 1993 (Priced at $412,000)
Though each time they arrive at a new destination, it is inevitable that timepieces in the collection will decrease, however, the Swiss watchmaker continues to seek replacements as the traveling offering reaches the next city. The collection is currently on display at the newly refurbished 729 Madison Avenue Vacheron Constantin boutique, where a total of 13 vintage pieces are available that date all the way back to 1928 to as late as 1993 with prices for minute repeaters ranging from at least $12,000 to as high as $500,000.
“There is a strong desire for legendary Vacheron Constantin designs from the past, such as the Chronomètre Royal, the “Cioccolatone” model, and the famous chronograph reference 4072,” states Selmoni. “We also offer some very rare minute-repeater wristwatches from the ’40s to the ’60s—in particular the reference 4261, which is to me the most exceptional design of Vacheron Constantin from both an aesthetic and technical angle. The 4261 from 1951 in yellow gold is a sublime example of Vacheron Constantin watchmaking art.”
Vacheron Constantin Ref. 11993 from 1957 (Priced at $20,800)
With around 1,100 people worldwide, which are primarily based in the manufacturing plants in Geneva and Vallée de Joux, Vacheron Constantin serviced each timepiece in the traveling offering by their traditional specialists in Geneva so that they would look immaculate. In addition, each of these timepieces are given a certificate of authenticity from the manufacturer as well as a two-year warranty, which is shocking because it’s not possible available even when collectors acquire them through vintage dealers or other consignors.
Vacheron Constantin Ref. 12074 from 1945 (Priced at $12,800)
“We began to sell vintage Vacheron Constantin timepieces some 10 years ago,” says Vacheron Constantin Style & Heritage Director, Christian Selmoni. “However, we did it with a very limited focus and external communication behind it.” Selmoni says that the watchmaker has now changed its vintage-timepiece pace from “passive mode” to “push mode”.”
Vacheron Constantin is taking the vintage and pre-owned markets by storm now that vintage timepieces have been trending in the watchmaking industry. Demonstrating their over two-centuries worth of history and incredible insight, the brand has overtaken its competitors, whether it be either heavyweights or independent names in the watchmaking industry, who are just beginning to put their hands in this market, and left them in the dust with the traveling offering of Les Collectionneurs.
“Vacheron Constantin started to create its own collection of vintage, historical timepieces in the early 20th century,” says Selmoni.
Vacheron Constantin Ref. 11757 from 1928 (Priced at $80,500)
Though Vacheron Constantin boutiques will not be supplying a steady stock of vintage timepieces, this traveling offering will remain ongoing and include special events surrounding the collection during each visit to a key city. Each timepiece in the collection was manufactured at least 20 years or more ago, however, the heart of Les Collectionneurs has pieces that were produced around 60 to 80 years ago.
This vintage line-up of Vacheron Constantin timepieces will be available at their boutique on 729 Madison Avenue until August 17th, and soon afterwards it will travel from its New York boutique to its Japan location.
For more information visit: Vacheron-Constantin.com
Photos Courtesy of: Vacheron Constantin
