Vacheron Constantin and Phillips to Stage Horological Concours
The start of every new year is a time of reflection for many. For collectors and fans of Vacheron Constantin (VC), one might wonder how to follow 2025, which was a consequential year for the brand on several fronts. So it’s interesting that the brand’s first major announcement of 2026 is not a watch, but a competition. Announced in partnership with Phillips, VC is hosting the inaugural Concours d’Élégance Horlogère, featuring seven categories and a prize for each. Existing owners of VC wristwatches and pocket watches can register until April 30th, at which point the jury will begin the work of choosing seven winners that will be announced November 10, 2026. Seven categories The Concours d’Élégance format is usually associated with vintage automobiles, with events staged regularly around the world at venues like Villa d’Este, Hampton Court Palace, and Pebble Beach – unsurprisingly, many such events are sponsored by watch brands, most notably VC’s sister brand A. Lange & Söhne. Adapting the format to wristwatches, VC has opened the field to any of its watches produced between 1755 and 1999, divided into seven categories: chiming watches, chronographs, astronomical complications (including calendar watches), multiple complications, Chronomètre Royal, Métiers d’art, and design. The choice to give the Chronomètre Royal its own category is interesting, and might be a sign of things to come. Originally a high-precision, time-only pocket watch collection t...
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