The first Vacheron Constantin Concours d'Elegance Horlogere brings many qualities in watches forward including the unique attribute of leaving a lasting impression that is rarely defined by age or price alone, pushing the boundaries of mechanical ingenuity to a higher and even different level, and extraordinary artistry, making them almost impossible to replicate. In a world that mostly celebrates the latest release, this competition puts the spotlight on watches that have already stood the test of time.These qualities have come into focus in the form of the 34 finalist watches selected from more than 550 entries. We take a look at these watches in the Vacheron Constantin Concours d'Elegance Horlogere, including the Vacheron Constantin Ref. 4072, Vacheron Constantin Ref. 4724 'Les Ameriques', Vacheron Constantin Royal Chronometer Ref. 2215, the unique 'Don Pancho' minute repeater and more.
Think of it as a watch competition where a beautiful dial is only the beginning. Vacheron Constantin's specialists checked the entries for authenticity, documentation, and eligibility before 95 watches advanced to the jury. The final 34 were selected for their history, rarity, and significance to the Maison and watchmaking more broadly. The finalists compete across seven categories: Chronographs, Metiers d'Art, Chronometre Royal, Astronomical Complications, Multiple Complications, and Design and Chiming Mechanisms. The public exhibition is scheduled for 4 to 8 November 2026 at Geneva's Hotel President Wilson, with the winners to be announced on 10 November.
The chronograph category is a reminder that stopwatch functions were once serious feats of mechanical engineering. Its four finalists are:
Gold Monopusher Pocket Chronograph (1929
Vacheron Constantin Chronograph Ref. 4072 (1940)
Vacheron Constantin Chronograph Ref. 4083 (1940), rose gold
Vacheron Constantin Chronograph Ref. 4178 (1947), rose gold
Here, the dial becomes a canvas. These five finalists showcase enamel work, miniature painting and decorative craftsmanship.
Vacheron Constantin Ref. 4308 (1950)
Vacheron Constantin "Les Ameriques" Ref. 4724 (1951)
Vacheron Constantin Dragon Motif Ref. 6187 (1957)
Vacheron Constantin World-Time Ref. 43050 (2002)
Sapphire-Set Pocket Watch (1930)
The Chronometre Royal category brings together five watches that showcase the collection's precision-focused heritage, from an engraved pocket watch to an unusually shaped steel wristwatch.
Gold Pocket Chronometer (1911)
Vacheron Constantin Chronometre Royal Ref. 6111 (1956)
Vacheron Constantin Chronometre Royal Ref. 6167 (1957)
Vacheron Constantin Chronometre Royal Ref. 6694 (1966)
Vacheron Constantin Chronometre Royal Ref. 2215 (1976), steel
Calendars, moon phases and perpetual-calendar mechanisms make this category particularly appealing to fans of complicated watchmaking.
Vacheron Constantin Full Calendar Ref. 4461 (1949)
Vacheron Constantin Full Calendar Ref. 4764 (1954), rose gold
Vacheron Constantin Full Calendar Ref. 4764 (1957), platinum
Vacheron Constantin Skeletonised Perpetual Calendar Ref. 43033 (1987)
Vacheron Constantin Skeletonised Perpetual Calendar Ref. 43032 (1999)
This is arguably the most dramatic category, bringing together watches that combine several complications in a single movement.
Vacheron Constantin "Don Pancho" (1940)
Vacheron Constantin Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar Ref. 30020 (1993), platinum
Vacheron Constantin Minute Repeater Perpetual Calendar Ref. 30020 (1993), yellow gold
Vacheron Constantin Perpetual Calendar Chronograph Ref. 49005 (1992), platinum
Minute Repeater Split-Seconds Chronograph Pocket Watch (1901), red gold
The Design category celebrates unusual shapes, unconventional displays and cases that stand apart from the traditional round watch.
Vacheron Constantin "Horn of Plenty with Ears" Ref. 4695 (1952)
Vacheron Constantin Gold Watch Ref. 6588 (1963)
Vacheron Constantin World-Time Ref. 6213 (1957)
Vacheron Constantin Gold Watch Ref. 44018 (1979)
Vacheron Constantin World-Time Ref. 43050 (1997), platinum
Before digital displays and phone notifications, a chiming watch could announce the time through sound. The five finalists in this category showcase that intricate tradition.
Quarter-Hour Repeater Pocket Watch (1822 to 1823)
Platinum Repeating Pocket Watch (1926)
Vacheron Constantin Minute Repeater Ref. 6448 (1962), platinum
Vacheron Constantin Skeletonised Minute Repeater Ref. 30030 (2003), rose gold
Vacheron Constantin Skeletonised Minute Repeater Ref. 30030 (2006), rose gold
The 34 watches are scheduled to be exhibited at the Hotel President Wilson in Geneva from 4 to 8 November 2026, ahead of the awards ceremony on 10 November. The jury will award prizes across the seven categories, with a possible additional Best in Show award.