Treasures of Vacheron Constantin

About the event:

A journey of initiation into the heart of time

June 24 to August 14, 2011, in collaboration with the National Museum of Singapore, Vacheron Constantin extends an invitation to discover its history and that of Genevan Haute Horlogerie. The first major public exhibition of the heritage of the oldest watch Manufacturer, the "Treasures of Vacheron Constantin - A Legacy of Watchmaking since 1755" shed light on more than 255 years of creativity and know-how.

Conceived as an educational journey, the exhibition is an exploration of the evolution of the measure of time, of its practices and of artistic influences, a trilogy that defines the history of Vacheron Constantin since its foundation. The visitor is brought back in time via the hands of 190 exceptional pieces from the heritage of the Manufacture in Geneva, in an exposition covering more than 600m2. From letters of correspondence between Jean-Marc Vacheron and Francois Constantin to particular watchmaking tools, Genevan workbenches of the cabinotiers to machines invented by George Leschot, the set design gives life to a technical and aesthetic universe of incredible richness.

Like an open book on the past and present, the pieces of the exhibit highlight the Métiers d’Art without which the Haute Horlogerie of Geneva would not shine as brightly. The centerpiece of the exhibition is a brilliant illustration: the pocket watch Les Bergers of Arcadia created in 1923 embodies in and of itself the alchemy of manufacturing know-how developed on the endless quest for excellence. On location, talented artisans of the Manufacture enthral visitors with some of their secrets. Engraver, gem-setter, guillocheur, enameler and watchmaker showcase a know-how inherited from past centuries that still feeds a continuous creativity.

"This first major exhibition of Treasures of Vacheron Constantin - A Legacy of Watchmaking since 1755 - laid the beginnings of a long journey into the cultural richness of our history, one that echoes that of Haute Horlogerie. A story that remains one of the finest demonstrations of a community working together, where every timepiece is the result of a symbiosis of talents and the extraordinary men and women who combine their expertise for a common goal. It is our duty to share this heritage to preserve its invaluable human footprint in history. "Juan Carlos Torres, CEO of Vacheron Constantin.