Image courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
Life is subject to the rules of time. In a fast-paced world dazzling with fleeting moments, the watch is a loyal companion that offers reassurance by keeping track of time. Founded in 1755, the Swiss Maison Vacheron Constantin is the oldest watch manufacturer in the world, having produced watches continuously for almost 270 years. As a leading force in luxury watchmaking, Vacheron Constantin has earned its place at the top through an uncompromising focus on high craftsmanship combined with a rich heritage. Each piece the company creates is nothing short of an object of art – true haute horlogerie.
Paying homage to the history of watchmaking, Vacheron Constantin has introduced the Les Cabinotiers collection which includes a bespoke customisation service while also offering an exclusive, one-of-a-kind line once a year. Reviving the spirit of 18th-century Geneva is the ambition of this extraordinary workshop. At that time, prestigious dignitaries of European courts commissioned their watches directly from the cabinotiers. Almost entirely unique in the watchmaking industry, this exclusive service is based on the Maison’s expertise and ability to listen. Fulfilling the watchmaking dream of their customers with a concern for absolute satisfaction – that’s the vocation of the Les Cabinotiers department. The resulting special edition collections from the Les Cabinotiers line are characterised by complex intricacies like minute-repeaters or a split-seconds monopusher chronograph. Once a year, Vacheron Constantin chooses a theme that brings together a new set of exclusive creations. Focusing on the Maison’s expansion around the globe, this year’s collection is entitled Récits de Voyages.
Memorable Places. Image courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
Memorable Places
Paying tribute to the Maison’s global spirit and worldwide expansion during the 19th century, four one-of-a-kind pieces in the Les Cabinotiers – Memorable Places series depict historical sites featuring Angkor Thom in current-day Cambodia, the Old Summer Palace (the former Chinese imperial residence), the Temple of Confucius in Beijing, and the Tour de l’Île in Geneva. The dials, composed of several discs cut from yellow, white, and pink gold, create a depth effect. Showcasing masterful micro-sculpting and engraving techniques, each dial draws inspiration from illustrations dating back to the 19th century. The 40mm pink gold timepieces housing the self-winding Calibre 1120, known for its extreme thinness and meticulous construction, perfectly demonstrate how at Vacheron Constantin, heritage meets craftsmanship.
Grisaille High Jewelry. Image courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
Grisaille High Jewelry
As a tribute to Vacheron Constantin’s historical trade ties to China, the Les Cabonitiers Grisaille High Jewellery – Dragon was born. It features a unique green grisaille enamel motif depicting a five-clawed imperial dragon and its pearl on the dial. The gem embedded in the grisaille enamel dial complements the timepiece and is a first for the manufacturer. The case features 146 baguette-cut diamonds and a brilliant-cut diamond on the crown. Housed in a 40 mm white gold case, the craftsmanship and attention to detail are enhanced with a dark green alligator leather strap and a gemset white gold pin buckle.
Armillary Tourbillon. Image courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
Armillary Tourbillon
The 45 mm diameter watch, Hallmark-of-Geneva-certified and powered by the Calibre 1990, is an ode to the Maison’s entry into the US market in the 20th century. It showcases intricate engraving techniques, including bas-relief sculpting on the case and movement components. Inspired by Art Deco motifs reminiscent of early 20th-century New York skyscrapers, the watch combines technical prowess with aesthetic elegance. It is the first instance of such an engraving on the Calibre 1990 movement.
Minute Repeater Tourbillon. Image courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
Minute Repeater Tourbillon
In honour of the Maison’s connections to the Middle East and the US, these watches showcase intricate arabesque engravings and Art Deco wood inlays, paying homage to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi and the Chrysler Building in New York. Enhancing the unique character of these timepieces, it is the first time that Vacheron Constantin has produced a dial combining wood marquetry and champlevé. Bearing the prestigious hallmark of Geneva, the 44 mm gold watch also features the in-house Calibre 2755 TMR with a tourbillon and minute repeater.
Louvre. Image courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
Louvre
The rich heritage of Vacheron Constantin has always featured a close connection to the art world. Now, the long-term collaboration between the Maison and the Louvre museum is flourishing thanks to a shared respect for history and culture. In the context of the special partnership between both institutions, clients can choose from a wealth of options going beyond mere timepiece customisation. Building on the success of Les Cabinotiers, the initiative A Masterpiece on the Wrist lets clients commission an individually designed Les Cabinotiers watch with a dial featuring an enamel reproduction of a Louvre Museum artwork personally selected by the buyer.
Credits
Images courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
As featured in SLEEK 80 – FORTUNE. Available in print and digital here.