Brand in Focus: Vacheron Constantin

This month, we look at one of the most iconic watch brands in the world, a brand widely acknowledged to be the pinnacle of watchmaking now and historically, Vacheron Constantin.

The brand holds the title of being the longest continuously operating watch brand in the world and quite rightly bestows the title The Oldest Watchmaking Manufacture in the World upon itself. Vacheron Constantin was founded in 1755 by Jean-Marc Vacheron in Geneva, Switzerland and whilst there are watch brands today that were founded before this, none have been in continuous operation and this is a testament to the phenomenally high level of quality of the watches produced by Vacheron Constantin.

From surviving through the trials of the French Revolution, to being the surprise' in the Third Imperial Faberg Egg, being acquired by the Richemont Group, to making the world's most complicated mechanical watch (named Reference 57260) for the manufacturer's 260^th anniversary, the brand has such a rich and diverse history that is unrivalled in the world of horology. As I'm sure you can gather from the words written above, Chisholm Hunter is exceptionally proud to be the exclusive retail partner of Vacheron Constantin in Scotland and one of not many' in the United Kingdom.

In 1996, Vacheron Constantin created it's, now iconic, Overseas collection, a small line of sport watches crafted with the highest precision to compete with Audemars Piguet and Patek Phillippe who had launched the Royal Oak and Nautilus respectively. Reinvented in 2016 to convey the spirit of the modern day travelling business person and designed in a spirit of casual elegance and comfort enhanced by their interchangeable strap/bracelet system, Overseas timepieces are the perfect daily companions.' Ranging from £16,600 to over £65,000, the watches come with varying complications, from standard three-hand to Ultra-Thin Perpetual Calendar models in a variety of precious metals and a surprisingly convenient interchangeable bracelet. The watches in person are mind-blowing, but still remain understated and refined, a quality that you might not get in a Rolex Submariner or an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak for example. What really excites us at Chisholm Hunter is the attention to detail Vacheron have paid to this range, everything you would wish for in a haute horlogerie product is there in abundance without being ostentatious, an expression of sincerity in craft, rather than a desire to draw attention per se.

In 2018, Vacheron Constantin, ever innovative and constantly pushing their creative teams, announced the release of a new range, the Fiftysix, for this new family they have announced two new brand ambassadors to embody the modern and cosmopolitan elegance of the Fiftysix. These ambassadors are musicians, Benjamin Clementine and James Bay, creative, multi-talented and passionate artists whose explorative endeavours into music reflect the spirit of the Fiftysix. The range was introduced to add a degree of accessibility to the brand, with prices starting from around £10,000, now this still may sound like a considerable sum of money, but one must consider the brand we are discussing and the prestige that comes with wearing a Vacheron Constantin. This means the brands lower price points are now within the region of a few stainless steel Rolex models which is impressive.

Vacheron Constantin is a watch brand that is extremely exclusive, even in today's dynamic retail environment where online sales are taking over, the Vacheron Constantin collection is still very difficult to find and even harder to see in person. With the watches available in our Flagship Boutique on Princes Street, Edinburgh and online here. Chisholm Hunter is proud to be the only Retail Partner in Scotland, one of only two outside London and one of only six in the UK. In-line with the brands new campaign motto, Chisholm Hunter are One of Not Many'.

View the Vacheron Constantin range at Chisholm Hunter Here.