Our favourite Vacheron Constantin watches of 2024

Borna Bošnjak

I’m sure I’m not the only one thinking it, but I really do feel like Vacheron Constantin had a bit of a quiet caulker of a year. Maybe it’s the recency bias talking, given that most of their releases came in the first half of the year, but we’re talking about some incredible pieces here. The brand made incremental updates where they were welcome, collaborated with artists like Reko Rennie and Ora ïto, and also just created the most complicated watch in the world with a world-first complication. VC also delved into the pre-owned world, following up its Les Collectionneurs initiative with a certified pre-owned program. Sounds like a successful 12 months for me, and makes me excited for what’s to come.

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Manual-Winding 39mm

Unlike some of the other “favourites of 2024” lists you’ll see over the coming days, Vacheron Constantin’s starts at the high end, and kinda just keeps going. The 39mm Patrimony is the welcome incremental update I mentioned in the introduction, as Vacheron Constantin sought to downsize and thin out its dressiest watch. The minimalist look includes a domed dial with solid gold indices matching the case material, dropping away and subtly changing the colour of the old silver tone dial. At 39mm x 7.7mm, this Patrimony duo celebrates the model’s 20th anniversary, and does so in impeccable style. Price: US$25,200

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Titanium

Seeing as Vacheron Constantin released pretty much its entire Overseas range in a new pink gold and green colourway, I could’ve picked any one of those and called it a day. But then, there’s the issue of the Overseas Tourbillon Titanium existing, and it was no longer a competition. There’s a reason why we chose this watch as the cover star of our latest NOW Magazine, and it goes further than just having the one of the best blue dials in the business.

While you may argue about the best blue dial, I can tell you the titanium finish is the best in the business, and the hand-polished elements of that tourbillon movement aren’t too shabby either. Complete with a gold peripheral rotor, the entire Geneva Seal-certified calibre is on display. Price: US$129,000

Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph Excellence Platine

But if a tourbillon just isn’t quite enough, then there is no way the Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph Excellence Platine won’t be. For starters, Vacheron Constantin adds a monopusher chronograph to the mix of complications, with even more stunning finishing of the Calibre 3200. Just like the Overseas, it also of course meets the criteria for being awarded the Poinçon de Genève.

This Traditionnelle’s name gives away a hint as to what makes it even more special. Any watch sporting this complication could be someone’s grail piece, but Vacheron Constantin makes it all the more special by making it part of the Collection Excellence Platine, meaning that, except for the movement, it’s pretty much all platinum. This includes the case and crown, the dial, the buckle, and thanks to a silk-platinum blend, even the strap stitching. Price: on request

Vacheron Constantin Grand Lady Kalla

Stepping it up another notch to pure jewellery is the Vacheron Constantin Grand Lady Kalla. The revival of the Lady Kalla name brings you a total diamond weight of over 45 carats, and the ability to wear it either as a diamond bracelet or as a pure 1920s flapper-style sautoir. Sure, it’s only powered by a quartz movement, but if that’s something you’re worried about, this watch was already not meant for you. Instead, I’m guessing those who would be interested in a Grand Lady Kalla will be more concerned how to style it as the centrepiece of their next cocktail party fit. Price: on request

Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Berkley Grand Complication

Does including a piece unique commissioned by one of Vacheron Constantin’s best clients in this list count? Well, it’s my list, so I get to decide, and seeing as the Berkley Grand Complication is the most complicated watch ever made and includes the first-ever Chinese perpetual calendar, I think it very much deserves to be included. This complication has been executed in a non-perpetual form by the likes of Parmigiani Fleurier and Blancpain, and needed the calculation of a perpetual Chinese agricultural calendar to properly integrate, meaning the Berkley also calculates the day of the Lunar New Year, as well as the current Chinese zodiac sign. I have no doubt another watchmaker will eventually come up with their own way of tackling this complication, but the fact that Vacheron Constantin dedicated significant R&D time into a one-off project (though I’m sure they were duly compensated) makes it all the more special. Price: specially commissioned piece unique