What's Happening?
On November 10, 2026, in Geneva, Switzerland, Vacheron Constantin and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo will announce the winners of the world's first Concours d'Élégance Horlogère. This inaugural competition celebrates exceptional vintage watches,
recognizing them for their beauty, history, rarity, originality, and preservation, similar to automotive concours d'élégance events. The undertaking involved over 550 submitted Vacheron Constantin pocket watches and wristwatches manufactured between 1755 and 1999. These submissions were rigorously authenticated and evaluated, leading to a selection of 34 finalists across seven categories: Chronographs, Métiers d'Art, Chronomètre Royal, Astronomical Complications, Multiple Complications, Design, and Chiming Mechanisms. The finalists will be exhibited at the Hôtel Président Wilson in Geneva from November 4 through 8, during the Phillips autumn auction week, offering the public a rare opportunity to view these privately owned timepieces before the final judging and announcement of the seven winning watches, with a potential 'Best in Show' award.
Why It's Important?
This event marks a significant development in the luxury watch industry, establishing a new platform for recognizing and celebrating horological heritage. By bringing together Vacheron Constantin, a brand with an uninterrupted history dating back to 1755, and Phillips, a prominent auction house, the Concours d'Élégance Horlogère elevates the appreciation of vintage timepieces. It highlights the intricate engineering, distinctive design, and fascinating histories of collectible watches, drawing parallels to the established world of classic automobiles. The competition not only honors exceptional watches but also brings collectors into the spotlight, acknowledging their role in preserving these horological treasures. This initiative could set a new standard for how vintage watches are valued and showcased, potentially influencing market trends and collector interest in historical timepieces. The public exhibition of finalists also democratizes access to these rare artifacts, fostering broader engagement with watchmaking history and craftsmanship.
What's Next?
Following the public exhibition of the 34 finalists from November 4 to 8, the jury will cast its final votes on November 10, 2026. The announcement of the seven winning watches, along with a possible 'Best in Show' award, will take place on the same day in Geneva. The results and impressions from this historic occasion are highly anticipated within the watch collecting community. The success and reception of this inaugural Concours d'Élégance Horlogère will likely determine whether it becomes a lasting tradition in the watchmaking world. Future iterations could expand to include other prestigious brands or categories, further solidifying its role as a premier event for vintage watch appreciation. The event is expected to generate considerable discussion and interest among collectors, historians, and enthusiasts, potentially leading to increased demand and scholarly attention for the featured timepieces and similar historical watches.
Beyond the Headlines
The establishment of the Concours d'Élégance Horlogère reflects a deeper cultural shift towards valuing provenance, craftsmanship, and historical significance in luxury goods. In an era of rapid technological advancement, there is a growing appreciation for mechanical objects that embody enduring artistry and engineering. This competition underscores the ethical dimension of preservation, as it celebrates the individuals who have safeguarded these intricate machines for future generations. It also highlights the cultural narrative embedded within each timepiece, transforming them from mere instruments of timekeeping into tangible pieces of history and art. The event could inspire a new wave of collectors, particularly younger enthusiasts, to engage with the rich heritage of watchmaking, fostering a deeper understanding of the industry's past and its continuous evolution. This initiative also subtly reinforces the idea that true luxury lies not just in newness, but in enduring quality, historical context, and the stories that objects carry.
