Vacheron Constantin Shortlists 34 Watches for Its Geneva Concours Exhibition

Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo and Vacheron Constantin have jointly launched the inaugural Concours d'Élégance Horlogère, which the two parties describe as an elegant competition dedicated to high horology, created to commemorate the brand's 271-year watchmaking history and to bring together international collectors.

How were 34 finalists selected from over 550 entries?

The open call for submissions received more than 550 Vacheron Constantin wristwatches and pocket watches, self-submitted by their owners, spanning production dates from 1755 to 1999. After individual appraisal by the brand's master watchmakers and heritage department specialists, 95 pieces advanced to jury review, with only 34 ultimately making the final shortlist.

What watchmaking domains do the seven categories cover?

The shortlist is divided into seven categories: chronographs, artistic crafts, the Chronomètre Royal collection, astronomical complications, grand complications, design, and striking mechanisms—broadly tracing the brand's technical development over more than two centuries.

Which notable rare timepieces stand out?

The list includes a 1940 stainless steel Reference 4072 chronograph, a 1957 rectangular platinum perpetual calendar moonphase watch of which only one was ever made, and the equally unique 1940 "Don Pancho" retrograde perpetual calendar minute repeater, as well as a cloisonné enamel watch featuring maps of the Americas and Europe. The shortlist also extends to skeletonized perpetual calendars and world time watches from the neo-vintage era, with some pieces having their historical significance reaffirmed precisely through this selection process.

Judging criteria and public exhibition arrangements

The jury, co-chaired by Aurel Bacs and Christian Selmoni, includes Felix Baumgartner, Benjamin Clymer, Nicholas Foulkes, and Alexandre Ghotbi. The judging criteria focus on originality, aesthetics, technical significance, rarity, and historical context, rather than purely on market value or complication count. The 34 finalist pieces will be publicly exhibited at the Hôtel Président Wilson in Geneva from November 4 to 8, 2026, during Phillips' auction week. Winners across the seven categories are expected to be announced on November 10, with the organizers potentially also awarding a Best in Show – Jury's Special Prize.