Vacheron Constantin's Les Collectionneurs series guides collectors and connoisseurs through time

　　Selected from the Les Collectionneurs series, 25 highly historic timepieces illustrateVacheron Constantinlong-standing heritage and exquisite craftsmanship, offering a unique perspective on the rich historical legacy of this legendary brand.

　　The Art of Restoration

　　Since 1755,Vacheron ConstantinCommitted to creating exceptional timepieces that showcase superior watchmaking artistry, this exhibition features 17 pocket watches dating from 1905 to 1953 and 8 wristwatches from 1940 to 1966. The Les Collectionneurs collection interprets classic aesthetics, paying tribute to Vacheron Constantin's exquisite craftsmanship and timeless spirit of haute horlogerie.

　　Vacheron ConstantinAt the Geneva headquarters, 25 watchmakers are dedicated to maintenance and restoration. Their mission is to preserve watchmaking skills and maintain all timepieces created by Vacheron Constantin since its inception. In fact, the brand has three workshops dedicated to restoring precious timepieces dating back to the 18 century. Two of these workshops handle repairs for private clients: one focuses on restoring newly developed complications or grand complications, while the other repairs various timepieces created between 1930 and 1980. The third workshop focuses on restoring the oldest timepieces. Among the timepieces restored in recent years, the oldest is a minute repeater pocket watch produced in 1824 returned from Italy, which may have been sold by Mr Francois Constantin himself, featuring the name 'Vacheron' engraved on its exquisite balance cock.

　　These historic timepieces are managed by four master watchmakers, including two master watchmakers, one master adjuster, and one master pivot maker, who precisely replicate vintage hairsprings, arbours, and pivots. This work inevitably presents a challenge of time and space: finding the materials used at the time, recreating period manufacturing techniques, and even using original machines and tools! The vintage fixed gravers, various milling cutters, and machines used in the workshop are precious assets preserved throughout Vacheron Constantin's development. These well-maintained pieces of equipment can be operated with a little oil to restore timepieces that have weathered nearly a century of history.

　　The first step in restoring an antique timepiece is to consultVacheron Constantinthe archives to carefully investigate the original state of the timepiece before rigorous restoration work can begin. Thanks to Vacheron Constantin's 260 years of uninterrupted production, the original records for every timepiece manufactured since 1755 have been perfectly documented and preserved. Master watchmakers then search for similar parts in stock or on the antique watch parts market. If the required parts cannot be obtained, they must be precisely replicated one-to-one. Restoration is not limited to the internal movement but also involves the exterior of the timepiece. The passage of time makes certain materials exceptionally rare. The restoration workshop frequently consults Vacheron Constantin's jewellers, guillocheurs, and gem-setters. Restoring antique timepieces is like practising medicine, using skilled hands to bring components back together and breathe new life into the watch. No matter how fragmented they are when sent for repair, they are restored to their original condition by the workshop.

　　Vacheron Constantinthe heritage of

　　The classic antique timepieces showcased in the Les Collectionneurs exhibition, preserved for watch collectors, play a pivotal role in Vacheron Constantin's historical legacy. Driven by a sense of mission to preserve Swiss watchmaking culture, the Vacheron Constantin Heritage department consistently preserves and maintains the tangible and intangible assets accumulated over 260 years. Expertise and creativity empower the brand to preserve and delicately restore classic masterpieces while ensuring their authenticity. Since 2014, Vacheron Constantin has launched a collaboration with two laboratories affiliated with the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) to transform the brand's exceptional archives into an organised information system for new development. This collaboration, named 'Chronogram', continues to showcase Vacheron Constantin's rich historical heritage to the world. Three devices—inspired by mask art, fencing helmets, and panoramic binoculars—allow visitors to immerse themselves in Vacheron Constantin's history. 'Chronogram' combines digital technology with traditional craftsmanship, giving the relationship between the real and virtual worlds a new continuity.