SIHH 2018 – Christian Selmoni of Vacheron Constantin, On The New Collection

Yesterday, we told you about the brand new FIFTYSIX collection from Vacheron Constantin, which can be considered the brand’s first major foray into entry-level pieces (relatively speaking). In this video, live from SIHH 2018, Christian Selmoni, Artistic Director of Vacheron Constantin tells us a bit more about what inspired the FIFTYSIX collection, as well as some of the other models the Maison will be introducing this year.

As Brice highlighted in yesterday’s article, when you think of Vacheron Constantin you don’t generally associate the name with entry-level (aka affordable) timepieces. Founded in the mid-eighteenth century, Vacheron Constantin is one of the oldest watchmakers in the world and is well-known for its highly praised, exceptionally complicated timepieces created in precious metals using traditional techniques. Even well-established brands have to move with the times, however, and Vacheron Constantin is no exception. The brand is keen to attract new a new generation of watch enthusiasts, one whose pockets perhaps aren’t as deep as their current clients but who are also passionate and curious about the brand.

To reach this new target group of customers, Vacheron Constantin has developed a more contemporary design for its FIFTYSIX collection, yet taken inspiration from a model the brand introduced back in 1956 (hence the name). It is still very Vacheron in look and feel, but a few strategic decisions, such as using movements that don’t bear the costly Hallmark of Geneva and housing them in stylishly understated steel cases, has led to a well-positioned offer price-wise. Of course, VC is also presenting more than just the FIFTYSIX collection at SIHH, as Mr. Selmoni explains in our video above, so there will definitely be more to discover from the brand on MONOCHROME in the coming weeks. As always, stay tuned!

More details about the collection on VC’s website here.