Vacheron Constantin celebrated its 270th anniversary this year. Sandrine Donguay, who came to Japan for the anniversary exhibition, shared the highlights of the anniversary model unveiled in Geneva.
Photograph by Yu Mitamura
Yukiya Suzuki (this magazine): Interview and writing
Edited & Text by Yukiya Suzuki (Chronos-Japan)
[Article published in the July 2025 issue of Kronos Japan]
A new signature symbolizing the Maison's 270th anniversary
Vacheron Constantin Product Marketing and Innovation Director. Born in France, he graduated from the Grenoble Ecole des Managements (GEM). After working at a perfume manufacturer, he joined Baume & Mercier. After serving as Director of Management and Communications, he transferred to Vacheron Constantin as Director of Product and Marketing. From 2022, he will also oversee the Métiers d'Art department, making him well-versed in products.
"The Traditional Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar is particularly impressive. It is equipped with the new Caliber 2162 QP/270, which is based on the Caliber 2160, a peripheral rotor automatic tourbillon released in 2018, and now adds a perpetual calendar. Even with the perpetual calendar module on the dial side, the movement is only 6.55mm thick, which is quite thin. In addition, the dial features a distinctive pattern of a Maltese cross and geometric designs. This is a new design code common to all 270th anniversary models. Furthermore, the movement features a unique coat of arms finish, which is also common to all anniversary models."
Dongay states that this new model is a symbolic expression of Vacheron Constantin's modernity, new themes, miniaturization of movements, and a good balance with classic aesthetics.
"The dial design, which is based on the Maltese cross motif, was conceived by an in-house designer who has been working here for over 20 years. The Maltese cross is placed between 7 and 8 o'clock on the dial, and a geometric pattern unfolds from the Maltese cross. In doing so, we also considered how to capture light on the dial and proposed various patterns. The guilloché craftsmen at the Métiers d'Art workshop then tried out the proposals and decided which pattern was best. In other words, it can be said to be a collaboration between the designer and the guilloché craftsman. Vacheron Constantin has a history of using the Maltese cross motif in various aspects of its watches, such as dials and crowns, adding a playful touch since 1880."
This 270th anniversary model features a tourbillon and perpetual calendar. The movement is a new design that pays homage to the 250th anniversary model "Saint Gervais" released in 2005. It is based on the peripheral rotor automatic movement Cal. 2160 introduced in 2018, but has been made even thinner. Automatic winding (Cal. 2162 QP/270). 30 jewels. 18,000 vph. Power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Pt case (diameter 42mm, thickness 11.1mm). Water resistant to 3 bar. Limited to 127 pieces worldwide. 46.2 million yen (tax included).
Another common code, the Court Unique, is a finish created by the Maison over a century ago and revived when the original was reissued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the American 1921 in 2021. Why did they use it on the anniversary model?
"In fact, when we reissued it, we wanted to create something unique to commemorate the 270th anniversary, which is coming up in a few years, and we thought that the Court Unique would be the perfect special limited edition model for the anniversary."
As a result, it has become a new symbol of the Maison, a signature that is linked to Geneva and to the brand's past.
