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T he Vacheron Constantin Historiques collection celebrates the maison's legacy by reinterpreting iconic timepieces from its extensive heritage, dating back to 1755. Each watch in this collection embodies Vacheron Constantin's commitment to meticulous craftsmanship and design prowess, reviving historical references with contemporary twists. Featuring models such as the Vacheron Constantin American 1921, Cornes de Vache 1955, and the elusive 222, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques line provides both variety and limited production. In this article, we explore standout Vacheron Constantin Historiques watches from the Sotheby’s archive.
This Vacheron Constantin Les Historiques Reference 49502 sold for 384,000 HKD in October 2024.
A superlative example from the mid 1990s, this Vacheron Constantin watch successfully combined high jewelry techniques with watchmaking artistry. Featuring 36 sapphires on the bezel with diamond indexes on the enamel dial, the case was crafted from platinum combined with a black alligator strap and platinum buckle. This model was originally part of a limited edition run of only four pieces, adding to both its rarity and significance.
This Vacheron Constantin Historiques Audubon Reference 43060 sold for 300,000 HKD in April 2019 during Sotheby's Important Watches sale in Hong Kong.
Inspired by American naturalist and painter John J. Audubon and his book Birds of America, the above Vacheron Constantin Historiques watch was part of an exceptional series of wristwatches that featured a cloisonné enamel dial depicting different birds found in America. Painted by the renowned enamellist Muriel Séchaud, the dial depicted an aggressive red shouldered hawk spreading out its wings on a tree top.
This Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 Reference 82035 sold for 252,000 HKD in April 2021, significantly exceeding its high estimate of 150,000 HKD.
In 2008, Vacheron Constantin introduced the new American 1921 as part of its Historiques collection, which featured the same cushion shape case with offset seconds and a winding crown. It soon attracted interest among collectors, winning the ‘Watch of the Year’ award from Montres Passion magazine.
The above watch was limited to 64 pieces and produced exclusively for the Vacheron Constantin New York boutique.
This Vacheron Constantin Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 Reference 5000H sold for 180,000 HKD in October 2024, featuring in our Important Watches sale in Hong Kong. It was one of nine Vacheron Constantin timepieces in the sale.
Vacheron Constantin produced the Historiques Cornes de Vache 1955 chronograph in 2017, based on the reference 6087 from 1955. It subsequently lead to the above 5000H. The calibre 1142 beating within was based on the legendary movement Lemania 2310.
The present Vacheron Constantin watch was cased in steel and featured a silvered dial with tachymetre and Cornes de Vache lugs (meaning cow horns).
This Vacheron Constantin Historiques Reference 43043 sold for 60,000 HKD in October 2024, representing an attractive entry point into Vacheron Constantin for the collector community.
The Vacheron Constantin Historiques 43043 was inspired by the 1968 reference 7614 and had a 35.2 mm square case in 18K 4N rose gold. This piece provided a distinct warmth and a bold yet refined wrist presence to the wearer that felt more substantial than its dimensions suggest. This timepiece’s minimalist dial, with its vertical satin-grain finish and applied hour markers, formed a circular layout within the square frame and created a striking balance.
These exceptional Vacheron Constantin Historiques watches beautifully capture the maison's dedication to craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation. Each model from Sotheby's archive exemplified the brand's ability to blend historical inspiration with modern reinterpretations, creating watches that are both timeless and collectible. As a result, the Vacheron Constantin Historiques collection continues to appeal to collectors and enthusiasts, serving as both a nod to fine watchmaking history and a beacon for the future of horological artistry.
At Sotheby’s our Vacheron Constantin experts have brought a wide range of examples to market with excellent provenance, making us well placed to advise clients on the sale or acquisition of a Vacheron Constantin watch. Work with Sotheby's specialists and in doing so be part of our community of passionate watch enthusiasts and collectors.
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