--- title: "Aurel Bacs Partners With Vacheron Constantin For Historic Watch Competition" url: https://newscentral.site/aurel-bacs-partners-with-vacheron-constantin-for-historic-watch/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Style" published: 2026-11-11T19:13:04.000Z updated: 2026-11-11T22:42:55.954Z id: 4af80ea5-9415-48d9-ae62-35945583c393 source: "GQ https://www.gq.com/story/vintage-timepiece-competition-vacheron-constantin-phillips-concours-delegance-11-11-26" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/aurel-bacs-partners-with-vacheron-constantin-for-historic-watch/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Aurel Bacs Partners With Vacheron Constantin For Historic Watch Competition The competition, which featured 550 entries from around the world, was won by historic watches evaluated based on beauty and historical significance. A pioneering event in the world of horology has taken place in Geneva, marking a significant milestone for collectors of vintage timepieces. The competition, which pitted historic watches against each other, was the brainchild of renowned auctioneer Aurel Bacs and his team at Phillips. In a rare instance of collaboration between industry heavyweights, Bacs partnered with Swiss luxury watchmaker Vacheron Constantin to make this unique event a reality. Contrary to what one might expect from an automotive Concours d'Elegance, the focus was not on speed or performance but rather on aesthetic appeal. A panel of 14 expert judges, including Bacs himself, Hodinkee's Ben Clymer, and watch journalist Roberta Naas, carefully evaluated each submission based on its beauty and historical significance. The response to this inaugural competition was overwhelming, with a staggering 550 entries submitted from around the world. This forced the organizers to narrow down their selection to just 34 finalist watches, whose owners were flown in for the event at the Hôtel Président in Geneva. The evening drew a crowd of approximately 200 attendees, all gathered to witness this historic occasion. Aurel Bacs expressed his enthusiasm and pride over the success of this first-ever timepiece competition, describing it as "the most beautiful evening in the field ever." This event has set a new standard for watch collectors and enthusiasts alike, providing a unique platform for owners of rare and exquisite timepieces to showcase their treasures. The competition's sheer scale and prestige have undoubtedly raised the bar for future events. As the world of horology continues to evolve, this pioneering initiative is poised to inspire a new generation of collectors and connoisseurs. The competition's rigorous judging process involved evaluating watches based on nine criteria, including authenticity, elegance, and rarity, as well as their impact on Vacheron Constantin's history and watchmaking in general. Each category had its own set of contenders, with the jurors deliberating for several hours to select the winners. The results were finally announced at a gathering on the lower floor of the Hôtel Président, where a cocktail reception had taken place earlier. The Chronographs category featured a range of historic timepieces, including a highly rare ref. 4072 in stainless steel from 1940. However, it was a yellow gold pocket-watch chronograph from 1929 that emerged as the winner, surprising many in attendance with its unexpected victory. This particular watch's win sparked a collective gasp from the audience, comprised of watch enthusiasts familiar with the historical significance of pocket watches. The pocket-watch chronograph's triumph raised questions about whether these traditional timepieces could regain their former status as the pinnacle of watch collecting. The winning piece was described as being in excellent condition, featuring a white enamel dial with dual registers in an "up-down configuration. Its beauty and craftsmanship were widely admired by those present, including its intricate details and precise mechanics. The pocket watch's intricate details and precise mechanics were overshadowed by another stunning timepiece. A blue sapphire-encrusted pocket watch took top honors, its beauty and craftsmanship captivating the audience. Its owner, an American gentleman, revealed a remarkable history for the winning watch, which had once belonged to His Majesty Alexander I of Yugoslavia. The king had given it to Dr. Otto von Frangeš, who wore it during a pivotal moment in history - sitting in the motorcade when the king was assassinated in France in 1934. This pocket watch's journey didn't end there; it would later be smuggled out of Yugoslavia by Dr. Frangeš's son Nikola, hidden inside his wife's jacket as they escaped the Iron Curtain in the late 1940s. The Chronomètre Royal sub-brand was specifically designed for life at sea, with parts resistant to magnetism and rust. Launched by Vacheron in 1907, this line prioritized precision timing, which was crucial for maritime navigation. The intricacies of vintage timepieces were on full display as a unique platinum-cased watch from 1957 took top honors in a recent competition. This Cioccolatone was owned by an Italian collector who beamed with pride as he accepted the award alongside his grown son, showcasing the timepiece's exceptional design and craftsmanship. The winning watch boasted a complete calendar feature, adding to its already impressive list of complications. Housed in a 34mm x 43mm rectangular case, it demonstrated Vacheron's mastery of precision timing, a skill honed over decades of innovation. In contrast, other contenders included more modern pieces like the skeletonized QP wristwatch from 1987, which also made it to the final round. However, the Cioccolatone" stood out for its rarity and uniqueness. Multiple Complications proved to be a strong suit for Vacheron, with one of their watches boasting an impressive array of complications, including minute repeater, day, and retrograde date indications. This diminutive yellow-gold timepiece was once considered the world's most complicated wristwatch when it was delivered in 1940. A time-only ref. 4695 dress watch stood out among the competition for its intricate lugs and Maltese Cross-type dial. This particular model was notable for its unique design features that set it apart from other watches of its kind. Its presence at the competition added to the diversity of entries. The winner in one category, however, took everyone by surprise. It belonged to a tall Italian gentleman who had previously owned another highly sought-after timepiece. The new watch, an automatic world timer made of yellow gold, was produced in 1957 and featured Louis Cottier's system, which is extremely rare even among collectors. The competition's Best of Show award went to a platinum wristwatch with diamond-set indices, a seemingly simple time-only dress watch that belies its intricate hand-wound movement. The 13-ligne minute-repeater mechanism is a rare feature, especially in this particular example which was produced in only three instances in the early 1960s. Its brushed-finish case and teardrop lugs make it a unique piece. This platinum timepiece is not only exceptional due to its rarity but also because it marks the last minute-repeating reference from the brand for nearly 30 years. The crowd at the awards ceremony was moved by the stories shared by each watch owner about their timepieces, highlighting the emotional connection people have with these historic and vintage watches. The event's format is expected to be repeated in the future. The first concours for watches has sparked interest among collectors and brands alike, with potential for either Vacheron to continue hosting it or other brands to adopt a similar format. Alternatively, the competition might evolve into a more traditional multi-brand event like the Concours d’Élégance at Pebble Beach, but its success is certain to be repeated in some form. --- Source: [GQ](https://www.gq.com/story/vintage-timepiece-competition-vacheron-constantin-phillips-concours-delegance-11-11-26) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/aurel-bacs-partners-with-vacheron-constantin-for-historic-watch/