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Why the count is 35, not 34
The announcement’s 34-finalist figure is not supported by the published competition materials reviewed here. Vacheron Constantin’s participation rules refer to 35 selected timepieces, and Phillips reports five shortlisted watches in each of seven categories, which totals 35. The sources do not explain the discrepancy, so 35 is the supported count. They also do not publish the finalists’ names.
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The competition was presented as an inaugural initiative by Vacheron Constantin and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo. Its purpose is to celebrate the preservation of Vacheron Constantin’s watchmaking heritage, with participation aimed at collectors and enthusiasts. Phillips’ launch announcement describes the initiative, while Vacheron Constantin’s event page sets out its scope and format.
Which watches were eligible?
Owners could enter Vacheron Constantin pocket watches or wristwatches produced between 1755 and 1999. Each watch could be submitted to one category, chosen by its owner. The published registration window ran from January 19 through April 30, 2026, with entries accepted through boutiques or online. Registration is closed as of October 13, 2026.
#1 Best Overall
- [Luxurious Mechanical Watch] High quality hollow mechanical watch appearance retro gorgeous, exquisite carving and design of the golden appearance of the European nobility more highlight your noble identity extraordinary taste, to bring you a pleasant luxury experience
- [Mechanical Movement] This watch has manual self-winding. Please consider that mechanical watches that require manual winding can only keep time for a short time after winding. To prevent running or inaccurate time, it is advised that you verify the time periodically and wind up the chain 15–20 times.
- [Waterproof] Water resistant to 50m (165ft) -suitable for short periods of recreational swimming and showering, but not diving or snorkeling
- [Ideal as a Gift] This beautiful retro-style watch can be worn on any occasion or given as a gift to your father, brother, partner, or boyfriend. At weddings and any holiday gatherings, it can be a really appreciated and elegant gift.
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The official rules required photographs, serial numbers, a written account of the watch, the entrant’s contact details, and a category selection. The participation rules also state that winners receive trophies, not financial compensation.
The seven competition categories
The categories group watches by complication, designation, decorative craft, or design. Their descriptions below follow Vacheron Constantin’s published event information.
Rank #2
- [Luxurious Mechanical Watch] High quality hollow mechanical watch appearance retro gorgeous, exquisite carving and design of the golden appearance of the European nobility more highlight your noble identity extraordinary taste, to bring you a pleasant luxury experience
- [Mechanical Movement] There's no need to worry if the battery is dead because this watch has manual self-winding. Please consider that mechanical watches that require manual winding can only keep time for a short time after winding. To prevent running or inaccurate time, it is advised that you verify the time periodically and wind up the chain 15–20 times.
- [Waterproof] Water resistant to 30m (98FT) -suitable for daily water resistance, withstands splashes and light rain. Not for swimming, showering or diving
- [Ideal as a Gift] This beautiful retro-style watch can be worn on any occasion or given as a gift to your father, brother, partner, or boyfriend. At weddings and any holiday gatherings, it can be a really appreciated and elegant gift.
- [Professional After-Sale Service] Please contact us if you need any additional details about our watches. We will be happy to answer and help you anytime.
| Category | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Striking mechanism | Watches with striking functions, including repeaters and sonneries. |
| Chronographs | Watches with chronograph functions. |
| Astronomical complications | Watches with calendar-related complications. |
| Multiple complications | Watches combining complications. |
| Chronomètre Royal | Watches bearing the Chronomètre Royal designation, issued from 1907. |
| Métiers d’Art | Watches featuring decorative crafts such as engraving and enameling. |
| Design | Signature designs such as retrograde displays, jumping hours, and world time. |
How the jury evaluates entries
The published criteria combine condition and documentation with technical, historical, and aesthetic qualities. Vacheron Constantin lists nine:
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- Authenticity
- Elegance
- Rarity
- Impact on Vacheron Constantin’s history or watchmaking generally
- Provenance
- Technicality
- Métiers d’art
- State of preservation
- Emotional dimension
Phillips reports a 14-person jury, presided over by Christian Selmoni, Vacheron Constantin’s Director of Style and Heritage, and Aurel Bacs, Phillips Senior Consultant. Vacheron Constantin identifies Selmoni and Bacs as co-chairs. Bacs described the project as a long-held ambition: “As a lifelong enthusiast of the Concours d’Élégance concept, it has long been my dream to bring this concept to fine watchmaking,” he said in Phillips’ article about the competition.
Rank #3
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- [No Battery Required] No need to install batteries, automatic winding. (Note: Correct manual winding is essential to effectively reduce time deviation. Insufficient mechanical kinetic energy can cause the watch to stop, so please wind it up in a timely manner.)
- [High Quality Movement] Adopts high-quality imported movement, which is quiet enough to not generate too much noise even in the middle of the night. The powerful movement makes it run smoothly and has a service life of over 10 years.
- [Intimate Function] The luminous pointer allows you to wake up at night and know the current time in a timely manner, which is very convenient. Waterproof 50 meters (165 feet): Suitable for short periods of leisure swimming and showering, but not suitable for diving or snorkeling
- [Perfect Gift] Our luxurious carved mechanical watch is the perfect watch for various business, leisure, indoor activities, or daily use. It is the perfect gift for your lover, friends, and family
When and where to see the shortlisted watches
Phillips scheduled an exhibition of the 35 shortlisted watches during the preview for its Geneva Watch Auction XXIV. The display is planned for the Hotel President in Geneva from November 4 through November 10, 2026. Vacheron Constantin scheduled the seven category awards for November 10, after Phillips’ autumn auctions. These are announced dates; the sources do not provide the finalists’ names or additional exhibition-access details.
Phillips’ account gives the five-per-category breakdown and exhibition plan; the official rules independently refer to 35 selected timepieces. The discrepancy with the 34 stated in the announcement’s title remains unexplained in those materials.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
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- LUMINOUS WATCH,EASY TO READ TIME,EVEN IN THE DARK:Fashion design men's mechanical watch, black case with clear golden lines and golden hands, let you read the time easy; The hands will be grow when in the dark, which let you can read the time even in dark
- WATER RESISTANT TO 30M:Waterproof:In general, withstands splashes or brief immersion in water ,but not suitable for hot water bathing or diving. Please do not press any buttons in the water
- NO BATTERY NEEDED:Automatic mechanical movement, Powers with the mechanical movement, without a battery. Operate the watch, to wind-up please whirl the button on the clockwise (Don't need to pull out, just in normal condition.) for 15 to 20 complete revolutions
- NICE PRESENTS:Stylish mechanical germen watch, it fits good and looks fantastic, elegant holiday present sure to be given some compliments by business colleagues and clients, friend. Also, it is nice present for your friends and family as a Father's Day present
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