A Rare Exhibition Event, 'Les Collectionneurs,' Offers the Opportunity to Acquire Restored Heritage Models by Vacheron Constantin | VACHERON CONSTANTIN

VACHERON CONSTANTIN

A Month of Rare Vintage Vacheron Constantin Timepieces

Starting December 7th (Monday), Vacheron Constantin will present 'Les Collectionneurs,' an exhibition and sale of restored vintage watches. For approximately one month until December 31st (Thursday), the event will tour Vacheron Constantin's directly managed boutiques in Tokyo and Osaka.

Text by YANAKA Tomomi | Edit by TSUCHIDA Takashi

Vacheron Constantin Craftsmen Restore Watches to Their Original State

The 'Les Collectionneurs' collection features a selection of rare vintage timepieces, meticulously restored by specialists from Vacheron Constantin's Heritage department. This initiative, meaning 'the collectors,' has seen its collection grow annually, with these valuable timepieces regularly offered to the brand's devoted enthusiasts through exclusive events held at Vacheron Constantin boutiques worldwide.

Vacheron Constantin boasts a history spanning over 260 years. Within the manufacture, which has continuously produced timepieces since its founding, lies an extensive archive. The watchmakers, artisans, and experts from the Style & Heritage team are capable of restoring all watches ever released by the manufacture, regardless of their era.

To compile a list of representative timepieces produced by the manufacture over the years, the Heritage team collects vintage watches, both pocket and wrist. Once gathered, these watches are authenticated by cross-referencing with records listing over a century and a half of case and movement numbers from the archives. They are then meticulously restored to remain as close as possible to their original condition. These timepieces, brought back to life, are then presented to enthusiasts as rare models within the 'Les Collectionneurs' collection.

Among the pieces exhibited and sold in Tokyo and Osaka are a platinum pocket watch from 1928, priced at ¥5,800,000 (excluding tax), and a 1947 '18K pink gold complete calendar' watch featuring a 'triple godron' decorated case and distinctive 'claw' lugs, priced at ¥3,900,000 (excluding tax).

Also on display is the '18K pink gold chronograph wristwatch model 4072' (1946), one of Vacheron Constantin's popular chronographs, of which fewer than 100 units were ever produced. All models come with a certificate of authenticity and a two-year warranty.