Vacheron Constantin x Phillips Auction Crowns the Best Rare Watches

Swiss luxury watchmaking maison Vacheron Constantin, which boasts a 270-year history, will host the industry’s first-ever “Concours d’Élégance Horlogère.”

The Concours d’Élégance Horlogère is an international competition that pays tribute to Vacheron Constantin’s 270-year quest for exceptional watchmaking and its heritage. Spanning everything from historic timepieces to contemporary creations, it spotlights the artistry and historical value of haute horlogerie—the art of fine watchmaking—while underscoring the importance of passing down and preserving heritage.

The competition will be held at the invitation of Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, a leading global watch auction house, and is open to watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide who own a Vacheron Constantin pocket watch or wristwatch. Registration is available from January 19 to April 30, 2026, via Vacheron Constantin boutiques and the official website.

Aurel Bacs, Senior Consultant at Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, said, “We wanted to expand the concept of the Concours d’Élégance into the world of high watchmaking,” adding, “We are delighted to present the world’s first Concours d’Élégance dedicated to timepieces together with Vacheron Constantin.”

Eligibility is limited to Vacheron Constantin pocket watches or wristwatches released between 1755 and 1999; quartz watches, clocks, and heavily modified pieces are excluded. Each entered timepiece will compete in only one category chosen by its owner among seven: chiming mechanisms, chronographs, astronomical complications, multiple complications, Chronomètre Royal, Métiers d’Art, and design.

Judging will be conducted by an international jury co-chaired by Aurel Bacs and Christian Selmoni, Vacheron Constantin’s Style & Heritage Director, based on nine criteria including authenticity, rarity, artistic crafts techniques (Métiers d’Art), and condition. The jury comprises key figures from across the watch world, including watchmaking experts, watchmakers, designers, historians, journalists, and collectors. The results will be announced in Geneva on November 10, 2026, and a total of seven awards will be presented in the form of trophies, with no prize money.

Through this event, Vacheron Constantin aims to strengthen ties between the maison and the collector community, while once again shining a spotlight on the maison’s values and heritage. Christian Selmoni said, “As an extension of our 270th anniversary celebrations, this was created to pay tribute to those who preserve and share the maison’s expertise and history,” adding, “It will be a new opportunity to connect with members of special communities such as The Hour Club.”