Since its founding 270 years ago, Vacheron Constantin has pursued the quest for horological excellence, with a legacy rooted in its Swiss watchmaking tradition. This year, the Maison is celebrating a historic milestone by unveiling its signature timepieces and anniversary models that blend the brand’s heritage with the modern day.
Here, Christian Selmoni, style and heritage director at Vacheron Constantin, talks to Fairchild Studio about the latest offerings being presented at the 2025 Watches and Wonders.
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Fairchild Studio: What was the inspiration behind the latest collection? What is being shown at Watches and Wonders?
Christian Selmoni: As the Maison is celebrating its 270th anniversary, this year’s novelties pay tribute to Vacheron Constantin’s style: elegant, sophisticated, classic, refined and, at the same time, perfectly relevant today. We opened the anniversary year with the new Historiques 222 in stainless steel, a homage to the original 222 “Jumbo” of the 1970s.
At Watches and Wonders, the novelties honor the Maison’s savoir-faire in terms of design, Métiers d’Art and complications mastery, in the Patrimony and Traditionnelle collections — which highlight some of our signatures such as retrograde displays. Some Les Cabinotiers watches feature decorative arts and technical prowess.
Fairchild Studio: Are there any new designs and/or technical elements featured this season that set Vacheron Constantin apart?
C.S.: This year’s editions bear in common several unique features dedicated to the 270th anniversary. Starting with the dial design, the Maison’s designers and artisans have created a unique guilloche pattern — inspired by the Maltese cross, Vacheron Constantin’s emblem.
This subtle geometrical pattern celebrates our mastery of traditional crafts in a contemporary expression. Speaking about calibers, they feature a dedicated finishing called the côte unique (single Geneva stripe). Some might consider it simple, but its execution — in a combination of carefully controlled machining technique and manual gestures — demands great precision and savoir-faire.
Each movement is engraved with an emblem representing Vacheron Constantin’s 270th anniversary. This commitment to fine craftsmanship illustrates the Maison’s dedication to preserving the savoir-faire inherited from the past centuries and transmitted from generation to generation within the manufacture.
Fairchild Studio: What are some of the standout timepieces from the latest collection?
C.S.: Speaking about the anniversary design codes, the guilloche pattern stands out! Its complexity, modernity and the way it uniquely captures the light. The new Traditionnelle Openface anniversary models stand out by combining classical style and modernity. The dials invite a deep dive into the calibers, their complexity and hand-made Haute Horlogerie finishes.
Fairchild Studio: How is the brand celebrating its 270th anniversary with its new unveilings at Watches and Wonders and throughout the year?
C.S.: For a few years, we have expressed our watchmaking art through a yearly theme. This year, it is “The Quest.” The quest for excellence, which the Maison has maintained unwavering commitment for 270 years, defines every single element of Vacheron Constantin’s identity. It is expressed through the mastery of mechanical complications, timekeeping precision, miniaturization, original displays, fine finishing and a vocation to always innovate. But there is much more to come during the year!