Treasures of Vacheron Constantin Exhibition – An initiatory journey to the heart of time

From June 24th to August 14th, The National Museum of Singapore invites visitors to explore the Treasures of Vacheron Constantin Exhibition reliving fine watchmaking in Geneva. Vacheron Constantin – the world’s oldest watch Manufacture with a continuous history, will reveal a legacy of watchmaking since 1755 in the treasures of vacheron constantin exhibition with insight into 250+ years of creativity and know-how.

The treasures of vacheron constantin Exhibition has been designed like an initiatory journey into the world of the 18th century watchmaking artisans known as cabinotiers, the Treasures Exhibition is an exploration offering a chance to discover the evolution of time measurement, its professions, as well as the influence of artistic currents – a cultural trilogy that has forged the history of Vacheron Constantin since its founding in 1755. Visitors to the treasures of vacheron constantin Exhibition travel back through time via 180 exceptional horological pieces from the heritage of the Geneva-based Manufacture, displayed over more than 600 square metres. The Vacheron Constantin watches on display illustrate the evolution of watchmaking, its industry and its craftsmanship, from the 18th century to the present day.

From historical archives dating back to Jean-Marc Vacheron and François Constantin to watchmaking tools, from the workbenches of Geneva’s cabinotiers to the machines invented by Georges Auguste Leschot – notably the inventor in 1839 of the pantograph, the device that revolutionised the watch industry by enabling it to produce interchangeable watch parts – the scenography of the exhibition gives life to an incredibly rich technical and aesthetic universe. The impressive variety of pieces on display at the Treasures of Vacheron Constantin Exhibition are in themselves, living treasures that are unique within their own kind. The exhibition demonstrates the expertise and creativity of Vacheron Constantin, as well as its incredible capacity for innovation since its founding.

While a Vacheron Constantin watch is above all an instrument for reading the time, it is also a resolutely high-tech piece, a symbol of social status and a daily accessory. Whatever its nature, it remains a concentrated blend of history and innovation, and a genuine work of art. Like an open book spanning past and present, the timepieces on show highlight the Métiers d’Art (artistic crafts) without which Haute Horlogerie could not shine so brightly. The star item in the exhibition brilliantly illustrates this truth: created in 1923, Les Bergers d’Acadie pocket watch single-handedly enshrines the subtle alchemist’s blend of skills dedicated to the tireless quest for excellence. This masterpiece combines the talents of the Vacheron Constantin watchmakers, enamellers and engravers within a yellow gold case representing a fascinating triptych. A grand feu enamelled miniature painting faithfully depicts every last detail of the famous painting by Nicolas Poussin adorns the case-back, while the face is entirely engraved. The double back cover is embellished by an engraving featuring the pounced ornament technique and depicting a pastoral scene. Two cherubs keep watch over the mechanical hand-wound movement, also hand-engraved in the finest tradition and visible once the watch is open.

Treasures of Vacheron Constantin is far more than a watch exhibition. For several days following the opening of the exhibition, several talented artisans from Vacheron Constantin will share some of their skills and secrets with visitors. An engraver, a gem-setter, a guillocheur, an enameller and a watchmaker will be on-site to testify to the skill and knowledge inherited from past centuries and which continues to nourish renewed creativity.