THE STORY OF THE VACHERON CONSTANTIN CHRONOMÈTRE ROYALE
Vacheron’s Chronomètre Royale ref. 4838 circa 1950s, Vacheron’s Chronomètre Royale ref. 42001 circa 1976
In 1907, Vacheron Constantin invented the first in a legendary line of timepieces, the Vacheron Constantin Chronomètre Royale. The Chronomètre Royale is highly collectible today, as the only Vacheron model to have both COSC certification and host the Geneva Seal. The Vacheron Constantin Chronomètre Royale is one of the few models that used both certifications the entire time, the watch itself was back in the spotlight when Vacheron released a reissue to mark the Chronomètre Royale’s 100th anniversary in 2007. So, where was the Vacheron Constantin Chronomètre Royale hiding for the last 100 years?
Vacheron Constantin Historiques Chronomètre Royal circa 1907 in rose gold / Credit: 1stDibs
The Vacheron Constantin Chronomètre Royale was originally introduced as the ‘Chronomètre Royale Vacheron Constantin Genève and trademarked May 28th, 1907. It was made to be a robust, durable pocket watch and was quite popular at the time. The first Chronomètre Royale wristwatch was introduced in 1953 with both a chronometer certification and the Geneva Seal. The first featured a Caliber 1007, which was later updated to the Caliber 1008 (that continued to be used until 1962). The Chronomètre Royale won many prizes, notably, the Geneva Observatory contest in 1956. When Vacheron switched to automatic calibers in the 1960s, the Vacheron Constantin Chronomètre Royale was supposedly the first automatic watch to be COSC certified. In the 1960s and 70s, Vacheron followed many other brands in experimenting with case shapes, for the first time departing from the traditional circular case of the Chronomètre Royale. A notable example of Vacheron’s experimentation is the ref. 6694, known for its peculiar lugs.
The Vacheron Constantin Chronomètre Royale is not only an excellent watch from a storied brand, but carries a very important, albeit, not well-known history. A desirable piece for any vintage watch collector, and surprisingly affordable all things considered.
By: Eric Mulder