The Quest: Vacheron Constantin’s 270th Anniversary Exhibition 2025

Words by Tony Wilkes

In 1819, Jacques Barthélémi Vacheron – the grandson of the Maison’s founder, Jean-Marc Vacheron – received a letter from his new business partner François Constantin, urging him to ‘do better if possible, and that is always possible’. These words have remained the motto of Vacheron Constantin to this day, epitomising its unique approach to fine watchmaking – a tenacious fusion of technical mastery, artistic sensitivity and fearless innovation. “What truly distinguishes Vacheron Constantin’s heritage is its uninterrupted history,” says style & heritage director Christian Selmoni. “It means we have a living archive and a tangible connection to centuries of horological evolution, allowing us to draw upon a vast reservoir of knowledge, techniques, and design inspiration to inform our present and future creations. It’s not just about preserving the past; it’s about actively building upon it.”

This year, Vacheron Constantin is celebrating its 270th anniversary with The Quest: 270 Years of Seeking Excellence – an immersive exhibition offering visitors a unique opportunity to delve into the Maison’s extraordinary legacy. Travelling the world throughout 2025, The Quest will open at Harrods on Thursday 16th October and run until Thursday 13th November across Fine Watches on the Ground and Lower Ground Floors. Open to all, it traces the precious values of Vacheron Constantin through four immersive themes: from remarkable heritage to expert craftspeople and exceptional complications, alongside rare displays of historic timepieces, original documents, components and watchmaking tools. Consider it autumn’s must-visit event for watch connoisseurs and beginners alike.

Since its founding in 1755, the Maison has proven its mastery of the secrets of timekeeping while constantly pushing existing boundaries. In Fine Watches on the Ground Floor, visitors can flip through this remarkable story in an interactive book, illustrated with precious archive materials marking key dates in Vacheron Constantin’s history – from the Maison’s founding document, the contract signed to appoint Jean-Marc Vacheron’s first apprentice, to the creation of the Kallista in 1979, a timepiece carved from a one-kilo gold ingot and set with 118 diamonds totalling 130 carats. “Seeing the reactions of visitors as they discover the depth and breadth of our archives is my favourite part,” Selmoni tells us. “Witnessing that sense of discovery and appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship that has defined Vacheron Constantin for over 270 years is incredibly rewarding.”

Since the 1990s, Vacheron Constantin has marked its anniversary each decade by unveiling new timepieces that capture the essence of the Manufacture. To kick off this year’s celebration, the Maison has released a new iteration of its legendary Historiques 222 – “a faithful re-edition of a 1970s icon,” says Selmoni. “The 222 is more than just a watch; it’s a statement of individuality and a celebration of Vacheron Constantin’s rich history. We are thrilled to bring it back to life for a new generation of watch enthusiasts.” This has been followed by three limited-edition Traditionnelle Openface novelties, celebrating two historic signatures – openworked dials and retrograde displays – as well as two new Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin watches, now available in pink gold with a champagne dial, and white gold with a dial of burgundy lacquer.

Limited to only 20 pieces, the Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Quest of Time is powered by the new manually wound Calibre 3670, subject of four patent applications, and has taken three years of development. The double-sided dial features a human figure whose arms indicate the time in a double-retrograde display, allowing for both on-demand and continuous viewings. Conceived as a homage to the 270th anniversary astronomical clock La Quête du Temps, it’s set against a background representing the constellations as seen from Geneva on the day of the Vacheron Constantin’s founding in 1755. Wonders such as this, seen alongside its pioneering history, cement the Maison’s repute as a force to be reckoned with – now, and for the next 270 years to come.