In a landmark initiative set to reshape the world of fine watchmaking, Vacheron Constantin, in collaboration with Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, has announced the launch of the inaugural Vacheron Constantin Concours d'Élégance Horlogère, a global competition dedicated to celebrating exceptional timepieces and the collectors who preserve them.

Open to enthusiasts and collectors worldwide, the competition invites owners of Vacheron Constantin pocket watches and wristwatches produced between 1755 and 1999 to submit their pieces for evaluation. Registration will run from January 19 to April 30, 2026, both online and through the Maison’s boutiques, with winners to be announced in Geneva on November 10, 2026, following the Phillips autumn auctions.

This first-of-its-kind initiative marks a significant moment for the watch industry, introducing the Concours d'Élégance concept, traditionally associated with classic automobiles, into haute horlogerie. “It has long been my dream to bring this concept to fine watchmaking,” said Aurel Bacs, Senior Consultant at Phillips. “I look forward to the inspiring discoveries and scholarly conversations that will emerge.”

Beyond competition, the event serves as a tribute to the global community of collectors who act as custodians of Vacheron Constantin’s 270-year legacy. In a market experiencing renewed interest in vintage timepieces, the Concours aims to strengthen dialogue between the Maison and collectors while reinforcing ties with the world of watch auctions.

Entries will be judged across nine criteria, including authenticity, rarity, technical excellence, provenance, and emotional value, by an international jury co-chaired by Aurel Bacs and Christian Selmoni. The panel brings together leading voices from across the industry, including historians, designers, collectors, and journalists, ensuring a multidisciplinary perspective.

Seven categories will define the competition, ranging from chiming mechanisms and chronographs to astronomical complications, métiers d’art, and design innovation. Each timepiece will highlight a different dimension of horological excellence, celebrating both technical mastery and artistic craftsmanship.

For Vacheron Constantin, the initiative also represents a continuation of its heritage mission. “Following our 270th anniversary celebrations, this competition allows us to further honor those who preserve and promote the Maison’s expertise and history,” said Selmoni. “It also creates new opportunities for exchange within exclusive communities.”

By spotlighting both historical and contemporary pieces, the Concours d'Élégance Horlogère underscores the enduring relevance of fine watchmaking in a rapidly evolving world. More than a competition, it is a platform for storytelling, where each timepiece reflects not only mechanical precision, but also the cultural, artistic, and emotional narratives embedded in time.

With this inaugural edition, Vacheron Constantin and Phillips set the stage for a new chapter in horology, one that celebrates heritage while fostering a deeper connection between past, present, and future.

Registration will be open from January 19th to April 30th, 2026, in Vacheron Constantin boutiques or online on a dedicated page: vacheron-constantin.com