There are few watchmakers in the world with greater heritage than Vacheron Constantin, the oldest, continually running maison in the business. And within Vacheron, nobody knows that heritage like Christian Selmoni. Previously both product director and artistic director at various points in his career, he now serves as the brand’s style and heritage director, drawing on the past to help develop the future of Vacheron Constantin. Perhaps more importantly, he’s one of the coolest guys in the watch world. We sat down with the man, the myth, the legend to discuss the inspiring nature of travel and his favourite Hendrix album.
What was the last watch you bought?
Honestly, it’s the Historique American 1921, the large size, so 40mm. I have the chance to have quite a few Vacheron Constantins on my wrist, just not to keep. So, when we relaunched the American ’21 in 2008, I fell in love with the timepiece. It took me quite a few years before I could afford it and I was originally considering the 36.5mm version. However, when you put the larger size on your wrist, the design really explodes, it really stands up. So, I got tempted into the 40mm instead.
Vacheron Constantin Historique American 1921
Do you collect anything outside of watches?
I’m not someone obsessed with owning huge collections of things, but I am into high-end audio. It’s something I’ve been collecting since I was in my 20s, ever since I had some money. I like the more vintage feeling pieces of equipment, vacuum tubes on valve amps and things like that. Perhaps more importantly, I’ve been a faithful and consistent supporter of the British high-end audio industry, for all these years! I obviously have a few watches, but I wouldn’t say they’re something that I collect as such. Instead, it’s more about style – I have a lot of jackets, sneakers, and the like.
What’s at the top of your wishlist?
Nothing related to material possessions. What’s at the top of my wishlist is a trip around the world. It’s actually something I’ve done before in 2010. I had a lot of leave I needed to take so I booked a round-the-world ticket with one of the big airline groups and travelled the globe for 17 days. It was fantastic but super hectic, and it convinced me that I needed to do it again and actually take my time. So far, I’ve worked out that I need at least five months to do it properly. I’m not sure when I’ll get that time, but I will manage it at some point soon.
Vacheron ConstantinLes Cabinotiers The Berkley Grand Complication
What is a recent find or discovery?
Recently we did a watch called the Berkley, which had a grand total of 63 complications. The watch itself obviously wasn’t a discovery a lot of work went into it, but it did lead me to research the Chinese calendar. It was great, I was amazed by the fact that here in the West we have the Gregorian calendar that’s very rational and strictly for timekeeping purposes, while the Chinese calendar is so much more beyond that. It has connections with medicine, astrology, many cultural touchstones, so much more than just telling the time that I just didn’t realise before the Berkley.
What inspires you?
Travelling. Ever since my childhood I’ve been curious by nature and have a habit of getting obsessed with things until I’m exhausted by them. But discovering new cultures, new art, new people is something I can never get tired of. It helps me to think out the box and have a greater understanding of the planet.
I’m particularly inspired by Mexico. Some countries simply capture you. I love the collision of the Aztec, Catholic, and Spanish culture, the almost psychedelic nature of Mexico and the amazing people. I’ve been there more than ten times now and always try to make time to visit. It’s a crazy place and I love it.
What is a book, podcast or album that changed the way you think?
It’s perhaps not a big surprise, but Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne. When I was young, I remember reading about all these adventures in strange countries and flying in a balloon. It really captured my imagination and made me want to see the world in the same way. Album-wise, I was born in 1959 so when I was around 12 years old we were getting into the beginning of ‘pop music’ as a thing.
I came from a conservative area, so the thought of long hair and electric guitar was scandalous to my grandfather. But I managed to listen to one album that completely blew me away: Electric Ladyland by Jimi Hendrix. It was the first record I ever bought, a 7-inch, 45rpm vinyl with Voodoo Child on it and I still listen to it today. It’s been a huge influence on my own musical culture.
Who is a celebrity of person of note that you admire?
Staying in the world of music, definitely David Bowie. He had a huge influence on me, not just as a singer and a composer, but as a human, too. He had an incredible life and still has an enormous influence on many things to this day. Growing up, I also had great admiration for Martin Luther King Jr. My parents were Evangelists and as such were paying close attention to everything that was going on in the United States, while I was growing up in the 1960s and 70s, and the fight for equality. I admired the way he was fighting for what he believed in.
What is your ideal long weekend?
Definitely Venice. It’s an easy flight from Geneva, which helps, but it’s also one of the few truly unique places on the planet. You land on this island and it’s like stepping back in time. There are no cars, no discos, you can just walk through the twisting streets and lose yourself. It’s phenomenal and the history of the city is equally fascinating to me; its place in the world as a maritime republic, the incredible diversity and innovation they showed at the height of their power, and their position as the start (or end) of the Silk Road. I go there many times a year for long weekends and will continue to do so.
What would we always find in your fridge?
Most of the time, nothing other than fresh milk for my coffee. I’m not a huge foodie and when I travel, I like to eat locally, so when I do get home, I don’t really have much in there to speak of.
What is a rule or mantra that you live by?
“It’s better to die on your feet than live on your knees.” It’s a famous quote from [Mexican revolutionary] Emiliano Zapata, and you can take it many different ways. For me, it really boils down to the idea of being yourself and not hiding who you really are. That thought really resonates with me.
What does the year ahead look like for you?
It’s odd because with Watches & Wonders behind us and therefore our release slate for the year, 2024 is functionally over from my perspective. Now it’s onto 2025, which is a big year for Vacheron Constantin. It will be our 270th anniversary and we of course have a lot planned for it – none of which I can reveal quite yet, obviously.
