Vacheron Constantin

About Vacheron Constantin

Vacheron Constantin has been making watches in Geneva without interruption since 1755, which makes it older than most countries' watch industries. Its emblem is the Maltese cross, originally a barrel component. The house works at the top of haute horlogerie — the Patrimony and Traditionnelle for classicism, the Overseas for sport, and Les Cabinotiers for one-off commissions that can take years.

Signature models

The references that define the house — and the ones you are most likely to meet.

• Overseas
• Patrimony
• Traditionnelle
• Historiques 222
• Fiftysix
• Les Cabinotiers

What to look for

Details worth checking before you trust a dial. None of them certify authenticity on their own.

• The Hallmark of Geneva (Poinçon de Genève) stamped on the movement — an independent standard covering both finishing and performance
• A Maltese cross motif on the crown, bracelet links or case flank
• Hand-bevelled and polished internal angles on bridges, visible through the sapphire back
• Overseas bracelets use a Maltese-cross-shaped link and a quick-release system that should detach without tools

Facts

• Reference 57260, delivered in 2015, holds 57 complications and took eight years to build — the most complicated watch ever made.
• The company's archives are complete back to 1755, so any Vacheron can, in principle, be traced to its original sale.