Vacheron Constantin Chronology

1755 Year: Brand founded

       On 9 17, the young Geneva watchmaker Jean-Marc Vacheron hired his first apprentice in the presence of Notary Choisy. This contract is the earliest known record of the first watchmaker for this illustrious watch manufacturer and can also be seen as the birth certificate of Vacheron Constantin. Vacheron Constantin thus became the oldest watch manufacturer in the world to have never ceased production since its founding.

 

1810 Year: Founder's grandson takes over the family business

        Jean-Marc Vacheron's grandson, Jacques-Barthélemi, took over the family business and dedicated himself to expanding its operations.

1819 Year: Partnership with François Constantin

       Vacheron Constantin's founder's grandson, Jacques-Barthélemi, joined forces with François Constantin. During a trip to Italy, this visionary businessman wrote a letter to the watch workshop, a sentence from which later became the motto of Vacheron Constantin: “ Do better if possible, and that is always possible ”, which established Vacheron Constantin's relentless pursuit of excellence in craftsmanship thereafter.

1839 Year: A new era for watchmaking

       Vacheron Constantin designed a large number of various machines, including the famous pantograph. This mechanical device allowed people to perfectly replicate major watch parts for the first time and improved the quality of the watches. This invention brought new development to the brand and also brought a revolutionary change to the Swiss watchmaking industry.

1880 Year: Birth of the “ Maltese Cross ” logo

       Adopting a component of a watch, “the Maltese cross”, as the brand symbol is a commitment to the pursuit of precision.

1906 The First Boutique

       Opening the first Vacheron Constantin boutique on Quai de l’Ile in Geneva, which is still located on the original site today.

1946 Custom Timepiece for King Farouk

       Vacheron Constantin created a custom-made pocket watch for King Farouk of Egypt, which was one of the brand's most complicated timepieces.

1955 Ultra-thin Watch

       To celebrate the bicentenary of the brand's founding, the world's thinnest mechanical movement was introduced, with a thickness of only 1.64 mm.

1972 International Recognition

       Vacheron Constantin became the first watchmaker to receive the “Diplôme du Prestige de la France” award, which is quite rare and highly esteemed in the industry, serving as recognition of Vacheron Constantin's elegant design and exceptional craftsmanship.

2005 250 Years of Uninterrupted History

       Vacheron Constantin celebrated its 250th anniversary with the launch of a series of exceptional quality timepieces, including the famous “Tour de l’Ile” timepiece. At the time, this timepiece opened a new chapter in history, incorporating 16 grand complications and limited to only 7 pieces.

2006 Atelier Cabinotiers Specialised Customisation Service

       Vacheron Constantin launched the Atelier Cabinotiers special customisation service, tailoring one-of-a-kind timepieces for clients to meet their unique watchmaking demands.  

2008 Maison Vacheron Constantin Shanghai

       Maison Vacheron Constantin opened in Shanghai, covering four floors with an area of 600 square metres. This magnificent historical building with an attic is surrounded by gardens. Inspired by the brand's historic Geneva flagship store while incorporating traditional Chinese features, the Maison Vacheron Constantin in Shanghai is unique and distinctive, much like the deep historical ties between Vacheron Constantin and China.

2011 Hallmarking of Geneva

       Marking the 125th anniversary of the Hallmark of Geneva, the Hallmark is no longer limited to 12 strict criteria, but now certifies the entire watch. Compared to movements without the hallmark, the workload is increased by 40%. For over a century, Vacheron Constantin has remained one of the finest representatives of the Hallmark of Geneva.

2012 Anniversary of the Tonneau Design 100

       To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the tonneau watch, the Malte collection was launched.

2013 Patrimony 1731 Ultra-thin Movement

       Vacheron Constantin introduced the Patrimony 1731 ultra-thin movement, setting a new milestone for the brand. Certified by the Hallmark of Geneva, the watch and movement measure only 3.90 and 8.09 mm in thickness respectively, perfectly showcasing fine watchmaking craftsmanship.

2015 260 Years of Uninterrupted History

       “ Geneva: Jewels of Time — The Origin of Swiss Watchmaking Culture ” exhibition opened at the Capital Museum in Beijing, China, co-organised with the Geneva Museum of Art and History. The 352 pieces on display offered a unique perspective on the history of Geneva fine watchmaking. For over three centuries, Geneva has been the cradle of fine watchmaking dedicated to technical excellence and craftsmanship.

       To celebrate the 260th anniversary of the brand's founding, Vacheron Constantin launched the all-new Harmony collection, with an initial limited release of seven timepieces featuring cushion-shaped cases that embody the pure art of watchmaking sculpture.

       Presenting reference 57260, one of the most sophisticated and complex timepieces in horological history, custom-commissioned by a collector and combining 57 complications in one.
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