Vintage watches hold a special place in the hearts of watch lovers and few more so than early models from Vacheron Constantin. One of the world’s oldest watch manufacturers (founded in 1755), it brought a rare selection of early pieces from its Geneva museum to Sydney for the recent Financial Review About Time Watch Fair, as well as for private viewings.

Accompanying them was one of the watch firmament’s true gentlemen, Christian Selmoni, Vacheron’s long-time style and heritage director. We caught up with him during his quick stopover, and asked what we might learn from the brand’s past models.