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0 The holy trinity pt. 1: Vacheron Constantin
December 7, 2024
The term holy trinity translates to the holy trinity and comes from religious doctrine. It refers to the highest powers. Since the 1970s, the term has been used in horology to refer to the highest powers in the field of watches: Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.
In this series, we will discuss the reasons they are considered the "highest" and most prestigious brands. Starting with Vacheron Constantin.
History
Why start with Vacheron? Because it is the oldest continuously operating Swiss watch brand. The brand was founded in 1755 by watchmaker Jean-Marc Vacheron. So the company has 270 years of experience. In 1819, it was his grandson who decided to team up with Francois Constantin and that's how the name came about.
The company was already known in the 18th and 19th centuries for pocket watches and timepieces of the very highest quality: innovative, handmade and often in cases made of precious metal. The company has never abandoned this tradition and standard of quality. To this day, it specializes in complicated, artisinal and precious watches.
Vacheron Constantin Berkley Grand Complication
The latter is no lie. Indeed, Vacheron currently holds the title for the most complicated watch. This pocket watch with a whopping 2877 (!) parts and 63 complications was specially commissioned by Mr. Berkley. With its white gold case, the watch weighs almost a kilo and has 31 hands alone to indicate all functions.
Mr. Berkley received this watch in 2024 after 11 years of development and production. Fortunately, the gentleman has not been without a watch all this time, because in 2015 he already received from Vacheron a unique piece, reference 57260 with 57 complications. What both these art objects cost is not known, but count on at least 10 million Swiss francs.
Production
So Vacheron has the knowledge and skill to make the most complicated watch in the world. This then translates to the regular collection. Many of the approximately 20,000 watches VC produces annually are complicated timepieces in precious metal cases. These may seem like large numbers, but major competitor Patek Philippe produces over 3x as many. So with a Vacheron, you have something truly exclusive on your wrist!
As Spiegelgracht Jewelers, we naturally like to offer the highest quality timepieces and rare pieces. Despite its high exclusivity and rarity, Vacheron Constantin cannot be missing from our collection. Take a quick look here.
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