CHRISTIAN SELMONI

Tatler learns about the influence of world events on Vacheron Constantin’s designs over the decades, as explained by the maison’s heritage and style director

Let’s start with the impact of the First World War on the designs of timepieces at Vacheron Constantin. Wristwatches arrived in the second half of the 19th century, and they were 100 per cent dedicated to women. I remember reading an article in a Swiss watchmaking journal which said their accuracy is questionable, but they are good enough for ladies; and that no serious gentleman would ever [wear one]. The journalist was wrong. Wristwatches started to be adopted by men [who were mostly] aristocrats. Their popularity grew [around] the First World War because soldiers started to wear timepieces on their wrists for convenience. What models from that era stand out? The American 1921 comes to mind. This timepiece was created in the Roaring Twenties, right after the First World War.…

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Tatler Hong Kong (Digital) - 1 Issue, November 2024

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