Watch enthusiasts will have the opportunity to discover Vacheron Constantin’s watchmaking heritage from 16 October to 2 November. The immersive experience explores how the world’s oldest watchmaker, with a continuous history of 267 years, balances its pursuit of technological ingenuity with a passion for traditional watchmaking metiers d’art.
Anatomy of Beauty is a compendium of Vacheron Constantin’s meticulous finishing techniques applied to every single one of its timepieces. Each watch component — no matter how minuscule or hidden from view — also benefits from the same scrupulous attention.
Watch enthusiasts will appreciate the intricate hand guilloché work on a dial, the familiar contours of the maison’s Maltese cross emblem on bracelet links, the small flame-blued screw that serves as a seconds indicator on a tourbillon carriage, as well as the mirror polishing on a minute-repeater hammer. Furthermore, it doesn’t take a connoisseur to grasp the sheer artistry of a dial decorated with a miniature enamel painting depicting a ship fighting to stay afloat against the treacherous sea in stormy weather.
At Vacheron Constantin, obsessing over the smallest details is an important expression of its unique identity. Here are three timepieces to look out for during your visit:
Unique pocket watch, 1822
A breathtaking design crafted from finely chased yellow gold and set with amethysts, it is made in the shell style typical of the Rococo period. The engraver used the pounced ornament technique to create the relief decoration on the solid gold case, carving out domes, beads, and rosettes that are later buffed with a file. A subtle colour-gradient setting with amethysts adds depth to the sea urchin motifs.
Tour De I’ile Grand Complication, 2005
Launched on Vacheron Constantin’s 250th anniversary, this technical masterpiece features 16 complications on a double-face display. Over 10,000 hours of research and development were spent on this watch, considered one of the most complicated wristwatches in the world. From its ornately decorated dial to the stupendously elaborate 834-part movement, every single component has been painstakingly decorated by hand. Only seven pieces were ever produced.
Historiques 222, 2022
One of the highlights at this year’s Watches & Wonders fair, this is a contemporary and faithful re-edition of the iconic 37 mm-diameter yellow gold 222 “Jumbo” from 1977. The 222 marked a turning point in Vacheron Constantin’s classic creations with its monobloc tonneau-shaped case and integrated bracelet. The new-generation movement, Calibre 2455/2, offers optimal precision with a level of finishing that is just as meticulous as the original.
From 16 October to 2 November, The Anatomy of Beauty at the ArtScience Museum, Level 4, presents Vacheron Constantin’s masterpieces from the 19th century to the present day and reveals the alliance between decorative arts and watchmaking techniques. Admission is free. Book your tickets here.
