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"DO BETTER IF POSSIBLE, AND THAT IS ALWAYS POSSIBLE"
François Constantin uttered these words on July 5, 1819. Now legendary, they are the spirit of Vacheron Constantin. Over the centuries, the Maison has shrewdly intertwined tradition with innovation to acquire the technical, aesthetic, artistic and human capital that shapes its vision of time. Passion for fine craftsmanship and human hands are behind every feat it accomplishes.
Founded in 1755, Vacheron Constantin is the oldest watchmaking manufacture in uninterrupted activity for more than 260 years. At no time in its history has it ever stopped creating, enhancing and reinventing itself. Backed by a strong heritage of passing watchmaking excellence down generations of master craftsmen, the company’s creations embody the exact standards of Fine Watchmaking. A technical signature and distinctive look.
Vacheron Constantin holds a special place in the heart of initiates and collectors. Here is a sample of some of its recent collections.
Égérie - the horological muse of Vacheron Constantin
There are two distinctive realms in which craftsmanship, know-how and rarity would be nothing without passion, creativity and concern for details. Haute Horlogerie and Haute Couture share this same vocation, continuously reinvented by the artisans working behind the scenes. Égérie was born from the conjunction between these two fields of expertise. Haute Couture instilled a sophisticated style, subtly paired with the asymmetrical aesthetic faithfully perpetuating the Vacheron Constantin heritage. Imbued with this two-fold inspiration, the new Égérie collection weaves the face of watchmaking femininity according to Vacheron Constantin. A watch featuring a classic look “draped” with a mischievous touch reflecting today’s women: inspiring, independent and charismatic.
A delicate interplay of textures and intertwined shapes, alternating flat and subtly raised areas; a pleated effect reminiscent of fabric; a singular asymmetry borne by a fluid aesthetic: such is the exquisite aesthetic of the Égérie watch. A feminine name for a watch inspired by women, from the famous nymph Egeria recurrently featured in Roman mythology to the contemporary muses who inspire artists, designers and other creative talents. Infused with an exquisitely feminine sensibility, the new Vacheron Constantin collection draws its refinement from the world of Haute Couture. A dial featuring a pleated pattern. A diamond ‘halo’ resembling slender braiding and accentuating the feminine shape of the case. And above all, sophistication in each and every detail, expressed through pleasingly harmonious geometry punctuated by 18-carat gold Arabic numerals, daintily scalloped like lace.
Fiftysix - a modern interpretation of the iconic
Fiftysix®. A name and a date evoking an iconic model presented in 1956: the reference 6073. Its design expresses the particularly abundant creativity displayed by Vacheron Constantin during the 1950s. This timepiece is distinguished by its shape – and notably its lugs, each representing a branch of the Maltese cross which has become an emblem of the Manufacture.
The originality of reference 6073, as indeed of all 1950s Vacheron Constantin models, also stems from the contrast between the classicism of its dial and the bold design of its case. A watch that already wove ties between respect for tradition and a taste for innovation.
The golden age of round timepieces, the 1950s represented the pinnacle of aesthetic refinement and remain an incomparable territory begging to be explored.The lasting impact that reference 6073 was to have on Vacheron Constantin’s history also stemmed from its stature as one of the first watches from the Manufacture to be equipped with a self-winding movement. Calibre 1019/1 was distinguished by its precision and reliability, at a time when most other models were driven by manual-winding mechanisms.Lastly, this model has a special place within the Vacheron Constantin heritage: the case of the 6073 boasted a water-resistant construction (with a multi-sided caseback).
Métiers d'Art Tribute - a new window on the world and on history
Celebrating decorative techniques applied in watchmaking and jewelry, the watches in the Métiers d'Art collection find their inspiration in art, history, and culture. Enhanced by the Manufacture's master craftsmen, these genuine works of art demonstrate a creativity that is open to the world and know-how that has been passed down from generation to generation.
The spirit of travel, exploration and discovery of arts and cultures is an integral part of Vacheron Constantin's history. A history rooted in the origins of the Manufacture, in an age when François Constantin did not hesitate to travel the world to open new markets and to fly the banner of the Maison high and wide, wherever possible. This openness to the world still pervades the philosophy of the Manufacture, which symbolically celebrates the spirit of adventure through a new journey – on this occasion a voyage through time – in memory of the great 15th century Portuguese explorers.
With this third opus in the Métiers d'Art Tribute to great explorers collection, which completes two series presented in 2004 and 2008, Vacheron Constantin ventures into one of history’s most exhilarating chapters. In the wake of models dedicated to Magellan, Zheng Hé, Christopher Columbus and Marco Polo, which proved a great success with collectors, comes the turn of Bartolomeu Dias, Vasco da Gama and Pedro Álvares Cabral to be honoured through extraordinary miniature compositions enhanced by talented master artisans. They bear witness to the noble touch and impressive creativity of the enamellers whose mastery of Grand Feu enamel once again broadens the horizons of the Métiers d'Art collection. A rare skill extending an invitation to travel while firing the imagination.
Patrimony - elegantly understated, optimal user-friendliness
Patrimony provides a pure and contemporary reinterpretation of a noble classic from the Vacheron Constantin heritage, stemming from the 1950s. The deliberately minimalistic impression belies a concern for detail aimed at achieving perfectly balanced lines. The dial, applied hour-markers and hands all follow the gentle curve of the case, complemented by a perfectly designed small seconds subdial and a “pearl” minute-track. A watch to be worn like a second skin for a supreme touch of elegance.
Since 2006, through its Collection Excellence Platine concept, Vacheron Constantin has been offering collectors the ultimate expression of Fine Watchmaking.
The Patrimony collection reinterprets the unparalleled heritage of Vacheron Constantin in an understated, contemporary way. Born out of the effervescence of the 1950s, today it is the symbol of renewal – an ode to the essential.
Traditionnelle ultra-thin - aesthetic refinement and mechanical sophistication
Through its blend of elegant design and technical excellence, the Traditionnelle collection embodies the spirit of haute horlogerie cherished by Vacheron Constantin. Combining the refinement of its style, the prestige of platinum and the performance of in-house Calibre 3500, the new model Traditionnelle split-seconds chronograph ultra-thin Collection Excellence Platine immediately finds its natural place at the very pinnacle of this watch line.
Highly appreciated by collectors, the Collection Excellence Platine is exclusively composed of limited editions crafted from 950 platinum: case, bezel, dial, crown and folding clasp are forged in this noble metal, right the way through to the alligator leather strap sewn using woven platinum and silk thread. The other elements of the watch, such as the 18K white gold hands and hour-markers, reflect the same refined universe.
Discover more at www.vacheron-constantin.com
