Get ready for an exciting watch competition that's about to shake up the world of horology! Vacheron Constantin, the renowned Swiss watchmaker, is hosting a global event that will showcase the finest timepieces from their brand, inviting collectors and watch enthusiasts to participate.
In collaboration with Phillips and Bacs & Russo, the Vacheron Constantin Concours d'Élégance Horlogère is set to become a prestigious platform for both historical and contemporary haute horlogerie pieces. Seven prestigious awards await across various categories, but here's where it gets controversial: the competition is open only to a specific range of timepieces.
To enter, collectors must submit either a pocket watch or wristwatch from Vacheron Constantin, launched between the years 1755 and 1999. This excludes quartz watches, clocks, and heavily modified pieces. So, if you're a proud owner of a classic Vacheron Constantin timepiece, this is your chance to shine!
The competition is divided into seven unique categories, each celebrating a different aspect of watchmaking. Starting with the chiming mechanism category, which recognizes timepieces equipped with exclusive repeaters, followed by chronographs with their precise timing mechanisms. The astronomical complications category showcases calendars and perpetual calendars, while the multiple complications category is for watches with at least two unique features.
The last three categories are equally intriguing: the Chronomètre Royal category compares officially designated watches, the métiers d'art category (excluding skeleton pieces) celebrates artistic craftsmanship, and the design category highlights Vacheron Constantin's signature design choices.
But how will the winners be decided? The timepieces will be evaluated based on nine criteria, including authenticity, elegance, rarity, and impact on Vacheron Constantin's history and the watchmaking industry. Each watch can only be entered into one category, so choose wisely!
The jury, comprising a diverse range of experts, designers, and historians from around the world, will decide the winners. Watch historian Nicholas Foulkes, Urwerk cofounder Felix Baumgartner, and vintage watch expert Auro Montanari are just a few of the notable names involved. Aurel Bacs, watch specialist and cofounder of Bacs & Russo, along with Christian Selmoni, Vacheron Constantin's heritage and style director, will oversee the jury's decisions.
Aurel Bacs expressed his excitement, stating, "As a lifelong enthusiast of Concours d'Élégance, it has been my dream to bring this concept to fine watchmaking. I'm thrilled that Vacheron Constantin has accepted our invitation, and I look forward to the inspiring discoveries and insightful conversations that will arise from this competition."
You can register for the competition starting January 19th, with submissions open until April 30th. Simply visit Vacheron's website or visit their stores to participate. The winners will receive their trophies and the ultimate bragging rights on November 10th, following Phillips and Bacs & Russo's fall auctions. So, are you ready to join this prestigious competition? Let the countdown begin!
