THE ART OF RESTORATION

RESTORATION, THE PRESERVATION OF HERITAGE

To preciously preserve a heritage dating back from 1755 to the present day and perpetuate the beat of a movement sometimes centuries old, Vacheron Constantin offers its customers an exclusive restoration service and offers the opportunity for all to pass down their timepiece from generation to generation.

SINGULAR AND TIMELESS EXPERTISE

Within the Maison, twelve watchmakers are devoted to restoration and committed to perpetuating know-how that dates back two centuries or several decades. Their art consists of maintaining the operation and aesthetics of the watch as closely as possible to its original condition by keeping its original parts whenever they can. Broken, worn or corroded, they are adapted or manufactured identically, in accordance with the traditions and standards of the brand.

UNDOUBTEDLY THE OLDEST PIECE WE HAVE RESTORED

A quarter repeater pocket watch from 1824. Hailing from Italy, this piece likely sold by François Constantin features a balance-cock wonderfully chiseled with the name Vacheron & C.

AT THE HEART OF THE MAISON’S ARCHIVES

Coming from all over the world, all antique watches are first handed over to our heritage experts to attest to their authenticity. This expert work is made possible through a meticulous search of the Maison’s archives to precisely determine the original condition of the watch, which must be scrupulously reproduced.

After this crucial step, the watchmakers evaluate the scope of the work to be done and prepare a quote for restoration. Once the quote is accepted, they go in search of replacement components within the manufacture’s stocks and if that fails, the defective component is remade identically. For this, the Atelier can also call on the Master Jewelers, Guillocheurs and Gemsetters of the Maison.

"BY LOOKING AT THE PAST WE CAN BETTER UNDERSTAND WHO WE ARE"

THE CHALLENGE OF REVIVING EXCELLENCE

Within the Restoration workshop, there are unavoidable constraints. Although we have a workshop equipped with the latest-generation machines, certain work can only be carried out using 19th century tools, such as the fixed chisel or the rounding-up machine. These machines are indispensable and fully adapted to restoration work. Among the restoration watchmakers, two are specialized in pivoting and setting, which are two specific details that require the utmost precision and dexterity to breathe new life into the watches that pass through their hands.

LES COLLECTIONNEURS

Watches dating from the late 19th century to the last third of the 20th century. Entirely authenticated, restored and guaranteed for two years by the Maison. Follow them around the world.

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DISCOVER OUR WORKSHOPS

An activity with high added value, restoration is carried out exclusively within the Manufacture in Geneva. As such, three workshops are devoted to the most precious treasures created by the Maison since the 18th century. Two are responsible for repairing pieces brought in by their owners: one for watches with recent complications, the other for pieces, of any kind, dated between approximately 1930 and 1980. The third workshop conducts restoration of the oldest timepieces, unique models belonging to individuals or preserved as part of the Maison’s heritage. Each restoration is a special case and requires special attention, which is why this work usually takes several months, though the result is dazzling and goes well beyond all expectations.

FIRST CLASS SERVICE CENTERS

Since 1755, our master watchmakers at Vacheron Constantin have been faithfully maintaining, repairing and restoring the timepieces you entrust to their care.

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