Is Vacheron Constantin a Good Watch?

If you look any list of the top luxury watches in the world, Vacheron Constantin is sure to be included. A combination of simple elegance, excellent performance, and quality that ensures the watches continue to work for decades are only some of the things that make this one of the best watches to buy. Here’s some additional information about the brand and the styles offered under the Vacheron Constantin name. Use is to look around and see what you can find. There’s bound to be at least one or two watches that you’ll want to make your own.

How Long Have Vacheron Constantin Watches Been Around?

Like many of the better luxury watch brands, Vacheron Constantin has a history that stretched back for centuries. The company was founded by Jean-Marc Vacheron in 1755. As an independent watchmaker, Vacheron had developed ideas about what went into making the best timepieces. He also drew on his interest in other fields, like science and philosophy and brought them to bear on his watchmaking.

With the aid of an apprentice, Vacheron launched the company. One of the first offerings was a silver pocket watch outfitted with hands made of gold. This pocket watch bears the distinction of bearing the name of J.M. Vacheron while later designs would bear the last name only.

The business remained in control of the Vacheron family until the early years of the 19^th century. At that point, the founders grandson entered into a partnership with François Constantin, who was known for his strong business sense. It was Constantin who wrote to his new partner and supplied what has come to be the company’s enduring motto: “Do better if possible, and that is always possible.”

What are Some of the Features You Can Expect?

As with many other Swiss-made watches, Vacheron Constantin distinguishes itself in the marketplace by offering features that are appreciated by just about everyone. The watches also offer features that are not easy to find elsewhere. Here are a couple of examples to consider.

One earmark of the watches is the thin body. The earlier pocket watch designs made it all the easier to tuck them into pockets designed for that purpose and take them out with relative ease. As wrist watches became popular, the idea of a thin body remained a priority. This is easily illustrated by taking a look at the Calibre 1003. In 1955, this watch was touted as the world’s thinnest manual-winding movement in the world.

The beautiful red gold used in some styles is also something that’s hard to find elsewhere. Paired with a classic design, this can help the watch stand out while also being right at home in many settings. The Fifty Six is a prime example. The simple but elegant design paired with the red gold and some type of alligator band is dressy enough for any occasion and also looks good on the wrist for more casual occasions.

Does Vacheron Constantin Offer a Variety of Styles?

Vacheron Constantin has offered a variety of styles over the years and continues to offer a number that customers and collectors alike seek out. Those who want simplicity paired with an attractive appearance will delight in the Overseas and Fifty Six styles. The Malte continues the elegant styling while offering a watch body that’s something other than the standard round face. The Patrimony with it’s simple lines and beautiful choices of colors for watch faces is also a favorite. Many collectors also love the Métiers D’art with the option of artistic or even clear mechanical faces paired with alligator bands.

How Do You Wind a Vacheron Constantin Watch?

Depending on the style that you choose, it’s possible to purchase a Vacheron Constantin watch that’s self-winding or manual winding. With the self-winding design, movement helps to ensure the watch remains wound without any concerns of winding too much. This is a great choice for someone who plans on wearing the watch several times a week.

There are also manual-winding watches to consider. Using the stem to manage the winding, it’s easy to do so. Many of these designs will operate for several days before it’s necessary to wind again. Owing to the excellent craftsmanship, it’s more difficult to over-wind a Vacheron Constantin than it is with a number of other watch brands.

How Much is a Vacheron Constantin Watch?

When purchasing a new Vacheron Constantin watch, plan on paying around $25,000 USD on the low end. The Patrimony made using stainless steel is a good example of watches in this price range. There are a few options that are slightly less expensive, but expect to pay around $20,000 USD for them.

At the other end of the scale, new Vacheron watches can easily run into six figures. As recently as 2017, two styles were offered for seven figures:  the Les Cabinotiers Symphonia Grande Sonnerie 1860, and the twin-dial Celestia Astronomical Grand Complication 3600. Each watch style was offered for a price over $1,000,000 USD.

The pricing on previously owned watches can vary anywhere from four figures to six, with most styles falling somewhere within the five-figure range. When considering one of these watches, it’s always a good idea to only work with sellers who can product boxes and certification that confirm the watch is indeed an original.

Why is Vacheron Constantin So Expensive?

The prestige that the brand has achieved over a long history is one factor that makes their watches more expensive. There are also only a limited number of watches released per year. Generally, the average is 20,000 watches per annum. The choice of materials also plays a role in the pricing. Including titanium, platinum, palladium, rose and white gold, and even diamonds ensures the pricing will be higher.

Don’t forget the fact that Vacheron Constantin watches are highly prized by collectors. They have consistently demonstrated the ability to increase in value as the years pass. That factor continues to ensure the brand is highly sought after, with the demand helping to keep the pricing higher.

What is the Cheapest Vacheron Constantin?

If finding an original Vacheron Constantin at the lowest possible price is the goal, there is one style that’s work considering. Released in 1956, the Fifty Six is often considered the most inexpensive style. It features all the basics that one would expect from this luxury watch maker, including the time, date, and the automatic movement. It has the distinction of being the least expensive design the company has ever released, with the starting price around $11,700 USD.

Whether you want to treat yourself to a luxury watch or want to add something to your collection for investment purposes, Vacheron Constantin has a lot to offer. Spend some time seeing what a reputable jeweler has to offer. The watch that’s just what you want could be waiting for you right this minute.