Vacheron Constantin & Phillips Announce The 34 Finalists For The Inaugural Concours D'Élégance Horlogère

The jury (all fourteen members) reviewed 550 entries from vintage collectors worldwide. Now we know the 34 finalists in the seven categories (chronographs, Métiers d'Art, Chronomètre Royal, astronomical complications, multiple complications, design, and chiming mechanisms),  and there are some truly phenomenal pieces, including some that I did not know existed. And for those in Geneva during the lead-up to GPHG and the fall auction season, you can see the watches on display from November 4th to 8th before the winners in each category—plus a potential "Best in Show"—are announced at a ceremony on November 10th.

Editor's Note: Jamie here - I'll be in Geneva for the Concours and I can't wait to see these watches in person... Stay tuned for coverage from the ground!

The watches were inspected by Vacheron's heritage department to verify the authenticity, eligibility, documentation, or certification of each piece. Sitting on the jury are industry experts like Dr Helmut Crott, Aurel Bacs, Alex Ghotbi, Auro Montanari, Jiaxian Su (better known as SJX), Roberta Naas, and a guy—it says here—named Ben Clymer, among a number of others. Felix Baumgartner of Urwerk was also a surprising inclusion, especially since his watches are so futuristic by comparison. I'm sure his technical mind was much appreciated. But while the jury deserves recognition, the focus is on the watches. We won't share them all, but you've already seen a few of my personal favourites in the story.

Among those watches are two vintage refs. 4764 "Cioccolatone" triple calendars, one in rose gold and one in a stunning platinum case that was last seen in 2022 at a Sotheby's auction, where it sold for over CHF 600,000. For the jury, this presents an interesting question of comparing overall restored condition versus rarity and originality. Another standout is the vintage ref. 6213 world time with central seconds, which lacks original hands and might be the one not seen since 1991. There is a beautiful ref. 6448 minute repeater with diamond indices, some stunning enamel work, a ref. 4072 with a telemeter dial, and—yes—the return of the famous Don Pancho. Who will come out on top? I honestly don't know, but we'll find out November 10.

For more on the Vacheron Constantin Concours D'Élégance Horlogère, visit this website.