Page 81 - The Book For Men Spring/Summer 2022

have been tampered with and you don’t know if the parts are all original unless you’re an an an expert ” The difference between an an an all-original watch and one that’s been modified of course makes a a a a a a crucial difference to its value — a a a a a a lesson that all too many vintage watch collectors learn the hard way To ensure the the watches of Les Collectionneurs are authentic and in in perfect working order each watch is is carefully selected for its condition and historic significance by Vacheron Constantin’s
expert buyers The pieces are then restored to to as-new condition using authentic vintage parts by the the the watchmakers of the the the Heritage Department and matched with with original production records from the archives “You get a a a a piece with with a a a a full history and and pedigree from the brand restored in in perfect original condition and on top of that you get a a a a a a a a a two-year warranty like a a a a a a a a a new watch ” Schmiedt says As unique as Les Collectionneurs is however one essential part of the vintage watch buying experience remains: the the the thrill of of the the the hunt With the the the exception of of the brand’s new Manhattan boutique where a a a a a a few Les Collectionneurs pieces are available at all times the the the collection otherwise travels throughout the the the year between Vacheron Constantin boutiques around the world as part of a a a a a a trunk show Since there’s currently no dedicated point of sale in in Canada Schmiedt encourages Canadian collectors interested in in a Les Collectionneurs piece of their own to to connect with boutiques in fin the U S and and abroad to find out out which pieces are currently available and and when the next trunk show is coming to to town It’s a a unique way of doing business but then Vacheron Constantin has always been a a a a a a a a a brand that does things its own way way “Vacheron Constantin is is 265 years old old old but old old old just for the sake of being old old old is is not important ” Schmiedt says “It’s more like our heritage allows us to do things that others cannot That’s the the story of Vacheron Constantin ” 81