Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo have invited Vacheron Constantin to launch a Concours d’Élégance Horlogère for enthusiasts and collectors worldwide who own Vacheron Constantin pocket watches or wristwatches.
In a context of strong momentum in the vintage watch market, this competition strengthens the dialogue between the Maison and a very active community. It also represents an opportunity to welcome more watch enthusiasts and to reinforce existing links with the world of watch auctions.
The collaboration with Phillips brings unparalleled expertise in the appraisal and presentation of historical timepieces. Their in-depth knowledge of the collectible watch market will allow for the presentation of a selection of pieces that illustrate the diversity and unique richness of Vacheron Constantin.
Aurel Bacs, Senior Consultant – Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo
“As a lifelong enthusiast of Concours d’Élégance concept, it has long been my dream to bring this concept to fine watchmaking. I am delighted that Vacheron Constantin has accepted our invitation to support the world’s very first Concours d’Élégance dedicated to timepieces and I look forward to the inspiring discoveries and scholarly conversations that will emerge from the timepieces entered in this competition.”
The competition will highlight historical and contemporary pieces, celebrating the art of haute horlogerie in all its forms and emphasising the importance of transmitting and preserving heritage.
The competition is open to owners of Vacheron Constantin pocket watches and wristwatches launched between 1755 and 1999. Quartz watches, clocks and pieces that have undergone major modifications, as listed in the regulations, are excluded.
Eligible pieces will be evaluated according to nine criteria: authenticity, elegance, rarity, impact on the history of Vacheron Constantin and/or on watchmaking in general, provenance, technicality, métiers d’art (artistic crafts), state of preservation and emotional dimension.
Each watch will only be allowed to compete in one of the seven categories of this edition, at the owner’s choice:
1. Chiming mechanism: pocket watches and wristwatches equipped exclusively with a minute repeater, quarter repeater, half-quarter repeater or grande sonnerie.
2. Chronographs : pocket watches and wristwatches equipped with a two- or three-counter chronograph, a single pusher, or a split-seconds mechanism.
3. Astronomical complications: pocket watches and wristwatches equipped with a triple calendar, a complete calendar or a perpetual calendar.
4. Multiple complications: pocket watches and wristwatches combining at least two complications – tourbillon, repeater (quarters or minutes), chiming mechanism, chronograph, split-seconds, complete or perpetual calendar, sky chart.
5. Chronomètre Royal: pocket watches and wristwatches bearing the official designation «Chronomètre Royal» issued from 1907.
6. Métiers d’art: pocket watches and wristwatches featuring engraving, enameling, gem – setting, guilloché or any other decorative craft, with the exception of skeleton pieces.
7. Design: pocket watches and wristwatches featuring Vacheron Constantin’s signature design, either in the case or through the time display – retrograde display, jumping hour, world time, etc.
Registrations will be open from January 19th to April 30th, 2026, on vacheron-constantin.com and in the Maison’s boutiques. The awards in the form of trophies, without financial compensation, will be presented in Geneva on November 10th, 2026 after the Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo autumn auctions.
The prizes will be awarded by an international jury of experts, co-chaired by Aurel Bacs, Senior Consultant at Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, and Christian Selmoni, Director of Style and Heritage at Vacheron Constantin.
For more information please visit Vacheron Constantin