Vacheron Constantin restoration – Les Collectionneurs | Inside the Archives Ep. 4
This episode of Vacheron Constantin's "Inside the Archives" series delves into the brand's Les Collectionneurs program, which restores, certifies, and resells curated vintage timepieces. The discussion explores the philosophy behind restoration, the brand's early adoption of a vintage program in 2017, and the meticulous process of servicing watches dating back to 1755, emphasizing respect for collector wishes and the value of patina and provenance.
The episode features discussions on a restored Chronograph 4072, a 'Cioccolatone' with a stepped case, and a reconstruction of the American 1921 model.
The reconstruction of the American 1921 utilized only two original 1921 parts: steel hands that were hand-blued in the modern day, and involved 500 hours of research with no CNC machining.
Vacheron Constantin was one of the first watch brands to offer a curated vintage program, starting in 2017, with the mission being more important than the profit margins.
The brand services watches dating back as far as 1755, and the restoration process aims to respect collector wishes.