A truly great sports watch must be hard-wearing enough to withstand the challenges of an active lifestyle, while maintaining impeccable timing. And in the case of Vacheron Constantin, combine all these qualities with the sophisticated elegance for which it is best known. The watchmaker has brought together some of its best examples from the last century for a special showcase at its Old Bond Street boutique and at Harrods until 23 November.

While its timekeeping expertise dates back centuries, it was the beginning of the 20th century and the advent of the wristwatch that enabled Vacheron Constantin to truly demonstrate its expertise in the production of chronographs. This complication, enabling the tracking of short time measurements, would not only become a useful tool for athletes, but also explorers, scientists and more.

Vacheron Constantin would elevate this function into something that was a handsome, dressier piece with the Turnograph Reference 6782 from the 1950s, considered one of the first sports watches from a high-end watchmaker. This would lay the foundation for the “222” watch that followed in 1977. Made in celebration of the maison’s 222nd anniversary, its sleek aesthetic featured an integrated bracelet and svelte silhouette, achieved through its innovative ultra-thin self-winding movement.

On display is a particularly fine example of this model from 1981. This eye-catching yellow-gold piece features the signature monobloc case, with contrasting slate-grey dial. The “222” would prove to be the forerunner of what is now one of Vacheron Constantin’s best-known collections, the Overseas, and this exhibition highlights some of the most important members of this family. This includes a stainless steel chronograph from 2002, defined by its sturdy bezel that echoes the shape of the watchmaker’s Maltese cross emblem. The evolution of the line can be further seen through an example of an Overseas II watch from 2010, with its sized-up, 42mm diameter case and equipped with a GMT function, day/night and power reserve indications.

Other watches on show include the Phidlas, one of the most refined takes on a chronograph. Dating back to 1991, this version is crafted from yellow gold complemented by a pared-back and clean dial. Meanwhile, a stainless-steel Chronometre Royal from 1976 epitomises the bold, sport-chic aesthetic of the era, with its angular case and integrated metal bracelet.

37 Old Bond Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4AB; vacheron-constantin.com