A 270-Year Journey: Vacheron Constantin Celebrates Its Geneva Roots

In the heart of Geneva, the Tour de l’Île, a remnant of a 13th-century fortress, stands as a silent symbol of the city’s resilience and strength. Geneva’s strategic position has long made it a hub for trade and craftsmanship, dating back to the Roman era. By the 18th century, it had evolved into a centre of horology, drawing skilled artisans who perfected the art of watchmaking.

Among them was Jean-Marc Vacheron, a young apprentice with a bold vision, who in 1755 established his own workshop, laying the foundation for what would become the world’s oldest continuously operating watch manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin. From its earliest days, the brand pushed the boundaries of technical expertise and innovation, creating its first known complication in 1770 and later pioneering the pantograph, a tool designed to enhance the precision and efficiency of watch production. Over the centuries, the Vacheron family played a pivotal role in shaping Geneva’s watchmaking industry, fostering the transfer of knowledge and savoir faire across generations of artisans.