The tradition of Vacheron watches was started by 24-year-old watchmaker Jean-Marc Vacheron in 1755 in the Valle de Joux outside of Geneva. At this time, he gathered basic materials and created a true timekeeping masterpiece. Then in 1785, Vacheron's son, Abraham, took over the watchmaking business during the French Revolution. Until 1817, the workshop was run entirely by the family, and then French businessman Francois Constantin brought expansion ideas to the Vacherons. Soon afterward, the brand adopted both family names.