Kings and Emperors also commissioned Cartiers and Breguets but that does not mean that these watches were a match for Vacheron and Patek. If Vacherons was the King as you put it, I am quite astonished why this has not been recognised at watch auctions where Patek's prices far exceed those of Vacherons. Vacheron is a very good brand, don't get me wrong, but being the oldest does not mean it is the best.