Art of restoration
Restoration:
The preservation of heritage
To preserve a legacy handed on without interruption since 1755 and perpetuate the beat of movements that may be centuries old, the Maison offers an exclusive restoration service so everyone may have the opportunity to bequeath their Vacheron Constantin timepiece to a new generation.
Unique savoir-faire,
honed over centuries
Within the Maison, a team of watchmakers is dedicated to restoration, committed to perpetuating centuries of savoir-faire.
Drawing on the Maison’s singularly unbroken transmission, they undertake to maintain every watch produced by the Manufacture in as close as possible to its original condition, both functionally and aesthetically speaking.
According to how broken, worn or corroded it is, a part will be refinished, adapted or – if truly unsalvageable – manufactured identically. Antique tools may not be used daily, but the Maison’s savoir-faire is enshrined in archives and maintained by practice.
At the heart of the Maison’s
archives
Upon arrival, antique watches are first entrusted to our heritage experts to confirm their authenticity. This exacting work is made possible by searching the Maison’s unparallelled archives. These records are a precious resource in determining the original characteristics to be scrupulously restored.
Bespoke restoration
Following the archival research, watchmakers evaluate the work to be carried out and prepare a restoration quote according to the client's requests. Once the quote is accepted, they undertake to search the Manufacture's stocks for any replacement parts needed. If none is found, the component is remade identically by traditional means.
Other Métiers d'Art may also be called upon, including the Maison's Master jewellers, guillocheurs and gem-setters.
The challenge of reviving
excellence
The Restoration workshop is subject to constraints all its own. While the Manufacture has workshops full of the latest precision machinery, much restoration work requires 19th century tools – the fixed burin, for instance, or a rounding-up machine.
These machines are indispensable. They also require highly specific knowledge and experience to operate. Among the restoration watchmakers, two specialise in pivoting and regulation, areas that call for the utmost precision and dexterity. Their savoir-faire breathes new life into the watches that pass through their hands.
At the heart of the
Maison’s archives
Restoration is carried out exclusively at the Manufacture in Geneva, where a workshop is devoted to restoring the most venerable timepieces created by the Maison, as well as unique models belonging to individuals and references preserved as part of the Maison’s heritage. By caring for each of its creations, the Manufacture adds tremendous value while contributing to the history of Haute Horlogerie.
Each restoration is a special case and requires special attention. Consequently, this work may take several months, however, the result is dazzling and never fails to exceed expectations.
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.
