Vacheron Constantin Vintage 1914-1938 Overview

Tick Talk · 2022-11-02T23:28:13Z

Explore Vacheron Constantin's history from 1914-1938 with Tick Talk's 'Annals,' expanding on Charles Constantin's work. A must-read for collectors.

Tick Talk

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Tick Talk, a respected member of the WatchProSite community, shares his self-published booklet, 'Annals of Vacheron & Constantin: 1914 to 1938 - Episode 1.' This work expands upon Charles Constantin's original 'Annales de la Maison d'Horlogerie Vacheron & Constantin: 1785 to 1914,' offering a unique look into the brand's history during a pivotal era. By digitizing and translating Constantin's previously unpublished Sixth Era, Tick Talk makes this invaluable historical account accessible to a new generation of Vacheron Constantin enthusiasts.

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It is approaching 10 years since I distributed this self-published booklet to fellow Vacheron Constantin enthusiasts at the 2013 edition of the Salon International de Haute Horlogerie, now Watch & Wonders. By sharing with my friends here at WatchProSite, I hope to stimulate further interest in the rich history of this noble brand.

In 1927, Charles Constantin, the great-grand nephew of François Constantin, was Managing Director of the Company. He collaborated with author Louise Plan to research the extensive collection of letters and documents in the archives of Vacheron & Constantin. The results were privately published as the Annales de la Maison d'Horlogerie Vacheron & Constantin: 1785 to 1914.

Charles Constantin (1887 - 1954)

Some of you may already know that excerpts from these Annales were published in English as the forward to Antiquorum's 1994 auction catalog: The Art of Vacheron Constantin. What I hope comes as a pleasant surprise is the knowledge that Constantin returned to his manuscript in 1944 and added a final chapter; the Sixth Era from 1914 to 1938. Here he accounted for the effect on Vacheron & Constantin of such historic events as the Great War, Great Depression and merger with Jaeger-LeCoultre.

With copyright on the original material long expired, I am able to share this material with you. Although hampered by the formal, sometimes archaic and technical, language used by the author, I trust this rendition is faithful to the original as it was assembled with the assistance of a professional translator. My intention is to share a few pages every week. Enjoy!

Key Points from the Discussion

The self-published booklet serves as a highly valued and often-consulted reference in personal libraries, highlighting its significance to collectors.
The historical writings offer insights into the social, political, and economic factors that influenced Vacheron Constantin's evolution, beyond just horological objects.
There is a particular interest in the work and influence of Georges-Auguste Leschot, specifically his impact beyond the well-known pantograph invention, starting from 1839.
The original 'Hour Lounge' community, where many of these enthusiasts connected, is fondly remembered as a wonderful but now inactive platform.

The Discussion

AuHavrePro

Nov 3, 2022

will be a monumental treat for me . Much appreciated, Filip

RayStantzPhD

Nov 3, 2022

I am particularly interested in everything that is connected to the work and influence of Georges-Auguste Leschot. That would be from 1839 onwards then. Thanks anyway for the great read, Alex

Cpt Scarlet

Nov 3, 2022

Thank you for sharing this with us.

respo

Nov 3, 2022

I am honored to have a copy of this labor of love as an often consulted reference in my library. Thank you for this broader share of this treasure. All best, respo

Tick Talk

Nov 3, 2022

But perhaps Leschot will have his collaboration with V&C told here in the future!

Tick Talk

Nov 3, 2022

It gives me great pleasure to know you found this little tome useful

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Vacheron Constantin Vintage 1914-1938 Overview

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