In a move that feels less like a launch and more like an industry-changing cultural expedition, Vacheron Constantin and Philips in collaboration with Bacs & Russo have presented the first-ever Concours d’Élégance dedicated entirely to watches – an idea so obvious that it’s surprising no one has attempted it before. For generations, the world’s greatest automobiles have paraded across the manicured lawns of Pebble Beach, Amelia Island, Villa d’Este, and elsewhere, judged not on horsepower but on history and meticulous preservation. Now, the luxury watch industry is stepping into its own garden.
The Vacheron Constantin Concours d’Élégance Horlogère, an initiative launched by Phillips in collaboration with Bacs & Russo, is a deliberate celebration of horological innovation and technical mastery. “This was a dream of our founder, Uriel [Bacs]for a while: showcasing exceptional watches across different categories and eras and selecting the best categories in all of them. This kind of annual celebration of the best of the best has long been done in cars, not watches. So far, Paul Boutros, vice chairman and head of watches in the Americas for Philips, told the Observer.
Watchmaking manifestations are important because they formalize what serious watch collectors around the world already understand: that the rarest watches are important cultural artifacts, and their owners are the custodians charged with preserving the integrity of the pieces. This is emphasized by the fact that there is no commercial gain in watch decorations. Collectors are asked to submit their watches knowing that the only reward is the prestige of winning, and recognition that the watch represents the pinnacle of its time.
“Just like at concours with cars, we don’t display our watches, it’s our customers who display theirs,” Christian Salmoni, heritage and style director at Vacheron Constantin, told Observer. “It is an extraordinary project that highlights our heritage and heritage and also gives us the possibility to talk about our diversity and constant innovations over two and a half centuries. There is also the ultimate goal of finding extraordinary pieces from our past. Unicorn watches that collectors also want to learn about.”
Among the pieces organizers hope to see resurface are long-lost creations that are extremely rare and have not been seen in public for decades. One of these watches is an extremely rare 1957 World Time Cottier System (single pusher) wristwatch. Apparently, one has not been seen at auction since the 1990s. According to Boutros, Vacheron Constantin is uniquely suited for this inaugural event because of the depth, scope and continuity of watchmaking. Founded in 1755, this brand is the oldest continuously operating watch company in the world. It has just celebrated its 270th anniversary in 2025, but “the public is not exposed to the greatness of watches in general or this brand in particular. What Vacheron Constantin is doing today, the world’s first, the innovation, the complexity is a result of what they’ve done in the past, and we want to highlight that greatness.”
In addition, Vacheron Constantin services and restores every watch that enters its workshops – regardless of its age. The brand can do this because of its extensive history, extensive archive, and ability to build its own tools and components. This is an important aspect that takes into account the criteria for the watches that are ultimately selected for the competitions.
Logistics services for the Vacheron Constantin Concours d’élégance
As is the case at luxury car Concours d’Élégance events held around the world, watches will only be accepted after a comprehensive inspection. Watches must be faithful to their original mechanisms and designs and adhere to strict guidelines in order to be considered for inclusion. Eligibility is relentless. Only Vacheron Constantin watches produced between 1755 and 1999 are allowed in. Quartz watches are excluded, as are watches. Pieces that have undergone significant, non-original modifications are excluded. The restorations must have been carried out exclusively by Vacheron Constantin itself. Authenticity is of course non-negotiable.
“It must be original and the case and movement numbers must match the archive,” Salmoni explained. “If the dial is replaced, it must be an original Vacheron Constantin dial, otherwise it will not be accepted. The same applies to other components, such as bridges or hands. We have standards regarding the condition of watches as well, but they do not have to be in perfect working order.”
There are seven categories in the Encounters: Chiming Watches, Chronograph, Astronomical Complications, Multi-Complications, Chronomètre Royal, Design, and Artistic Crafts. Each entry will be evaluated according to nine criteria, including provenance, artistic merit, rarity, state of conservation, style, and even emotional resonance.
This process is presided over by a jury that sounds like a roll call of watchmaking authority. Co-chaired by Bax, Senior Advisor at Philips in association with Bax & Russo, and Silmoni, the committee includes respected collectors, scholars, journalists and independent watchmakers whose combined expertise enables them to identify true cultural significance. To advance this concept, Vacheron Constantin and Philips meet privately with watch collectors around the world and host intimate gatherings to explain the scope and importance of these encounters.
“It’s a whole new ritual in watchmaking,” Boutros said. “The long-term goal is to raise the profile of exceptional timepieces across multiple fields and eras. Truly showcasing the best.” While this first event is held in collaboration with Vacheron Constantin, subsequent Concours d’Élégance Horlogère events are expected to be held in coordination with various luxury watch brands, and eventually with multiple brands in one event, as is the case in the automotive field.
Collectors can submit their watches until April 30, 2026.Vacheron Constantin Concours d’Elegance Hourloge“The watches will be displayed in a designated area next to Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo Autumn Auctions in November. The judging panel will meet on the morning of the 10th for final votes, and awards will be presented that evening (details of timing and execution, as well as the title of the final event, have not been announced).
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