Brand Overview
Vacheron Constantin is a Swiss watchmaking company that represents the well-known Swiss trio together with Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe. It is considered to be the oldest watchmaker that hasn't interrupted its activity till nowadays. Although there is no direct evidence that Vacheron Constantin operates on the watchmaking market for about 250 years, its representatives state that the company's foundation year is 1755.
Unlike Rolex, which produces about one million timepieces per year, Vacheron Constantin designs about 20,000 pieces. Nevertheless it is among the most popular and highly appreciated brands not only in Switzerland but in the world as well. "Vacheron Constantin" is among the few to create its own movements. The latter can be seen in watches from Cartier as well as in other timepieces of the well-known brands.
Brand's History
In 1755 Jean-Marc Vacheron opened in Geneva his first workshop. At this time he was only 24 years old. Later in 1770 the company designed its first complicated timepiece. Fifteen years later Abraham, who was the son of Jean-Marc, took over the company to continue the family tradition of watchmaking.
The first issue that had a significant impact on the company was the French Revolution. Under the management of Abraham Vacheron the Swiss watchmaking company was able to survive and come back safely on the watch market.
The founder's grandson, Jacque-Barthelemy, took over the company in 1810. He was the first from the Vacheron family to initiate exports to France and Italy. Soon Jacque-Barthelemy realized that handling the company's business in both directions: manufacturing and exporting was an impossible task for one person. This is why in search for a partner he found Francois Constantin. The company was then named "Vacheron & Constantin".
Constantin helped in marketing the company's watches and later was able to open new markets, the main one being the North America. In 1839 a genius inventor by the name Georges-Auguste Leschot joined "Vacheron & Constantin". He was the one to monitor all manufacturing operations. His inventions served the company a great deal. Leschot was the one to rename "movements" into "calibers".
Later, in 1844, he was awarded with a gold medal by the Arts Society of Geneva. This was due to his "pantographic device" which could mechanically generate some of the watch's component parts. This invention turned out to be very useful since it reduced the time for creating timepieces and thus the money invested in production.
When in 1854 Constantin and only nine years Vacheron passed away, the company they created found itself moving through hard times, having several heirs. However "Vacheron & Constantin" was able to remain unbroken and in 1877 its official name became "Vacheron & Constantin, Fabricnts, Geneve". This is the time when its symbol became the Maltese cross.
Guided successfully into the 20th century the company opened its first boutique in Geneva. Over 100 years this boutique stands on Quai de I'Ille and can be seen today. After the Great Depression, "Vacheron & Constantin" was taken over by Charles Constantin. It was 1939 when the head of the company, for the first time in 85 years, became a representative from the Constantin family.
A serious impact on the company was made by the World War II. Able to withstand it "Vacheron & Constantin" came back on the market and its new head became Georges Ketter. Afterwards the company started its fast rise towards the watchmaking Olympus. In 1970's the company was renamed into "Vacheron Constantin", dropping the "&" sign.
Several amazing watches were made in 1979 and in 2005. Kallista is considered to be the most expensive watch in the world. Designed in 1979 its initial price was 5 million US dollars and today it is valued at 11 million. To celebrate the 250 years of the company's activity "Vacheron Constantin" produced in 2005 Tour de l'Ille, which is considered to be the most complicated wristwatch which has 834 parts able to display 16 different complications.
Recent Collections
Today "Vacheron Constantin" collections are classified in: Grande Complications Watches, Complication Watches, Classical, Sporty, Feminine and Jewelry Watches. Among its Sporty Watches line there's the famous Overseas collection, the Feminine line includes two collections: 1972 and Egerie, which are also included in the category of Jewelry watches. The famous Malte watches are included in the category of Classical Watches. Patrimony watches are both classical and complicated. You may also find remarkable skeleton timepieces in the Grande Complication category.
See also
External Links
Vacheron Constantin - The Record Breaker
Category
Owner: "lavrov" Last edited on November 29, 2006 1:45 am by "83.218.196.83"
