Friday 15 April, 2011 - 12:20 PM EDT

Vacheron Constantin History

The beginning of the oldest watch manufacturer dates back into the year 1755 when twenty-four-year-old Jean-Marc Vacheron opened a workshop in Geneva. Since then, the company has built highly complicated and precise timepieces encased in specially decorous and costly shells. It is no surprise that the Genevan manufacture Vacheron et Constantin has been one of the most popular watchmakers to the royalty for centuries.

The Vacheron Constantin museum exhibits more than four hundred unusual and rare pieces, tells quite a story about the glorious history of the company, and the showcased pieces also illustrate how easy it was for the Genevans to leave pocket watches behind in favour of wristwatches at the beginning of the twentieth century.

After a long period of prosperity, which reached into the 1950s and ‘60s, not much was heard from the brand whose emblem comprises the cross of the Maltese knights. Since the middle of the 1990s, when Vacheron Constantin went over into the possession of the Vendôme Luxury Group (today Richemont SA), the Vacheron brand has once again developed into a true custodian of haute horlogerie with a daring step in the direction of luxury sports watches (the Overseas model). In the last few years a new collection has grown, advantageously orienting itself to modern forms as well as traditional patterns, where extravagant creations such as the Assymetrique have found room, a watch that delighted European jet-setters in the early 1970s.

This development was expressed in the presentation of a new watch line called Malte, the French name for the small, rocky Mediterranean island of Malta. The presentation of Malte represents not only a new model family, but also the reintroduction of Vacheron Constantin’s technical competence in the form of a fully new hands-wound calibre. Caliber 1400 is produced in a subsidiary plant of the Genevan brand in the “watch valley” Vallé de Joux. The traditional construction allows the ancient brand to celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2005 knowing it once again belongs to the illustrious group of true Swiss watch manufactures with its own movements.

The above-mentioned movement is contained in the new women’s model Égerie that was presented at the S.I.H.H. 2003, whose outer appearance was modelled after a watch produced by Vacheron Constantin at the beginnings of the last century. Alongside careful extending of the collection, which will in moderation include re-issues of previously successful models, a spatial expansion of the company is also in the works.

Starting in the fall of 2004, the brand will have most reputable neighbours such as Patek Philippe and Piaget when the new Vacheron Constantin manufacture takes us work in Geneva’s industrial suburb Plan-les-Ouates. The building designed by the architectural office of Bernard Tschumi, stands on a property of a good 30.000 square yards and can be easily reached. Both the company’s management and large parts of the production will find room here, making the current production facilities in the Les Acacias district unnecessary. The above-mentioned workshop in the Vallé de Joux will be occupied more with developmental work, design, and prototypes. The company’s famous building housing the museum and boutique on the Rhône Island in the Genevan old city center will remain as it is.

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Tuesday 15 June, 2010 - 12:30 PM EDT

Vacheron Constantin inaugurates a new exclusive showcase in Buenos Aires

Argentina and Luxury

The Vacheron Constantin Petit Palais Espace has been inaugurated today in Buenos Aires, located in the aristocratic neighborhood of Recoleta.

This new exclusive showcase – the largest of the Swiss Geneva-based manufacture in South America – has been inaugurated by Vacheron Constantin’s long-term partners Martin De Leeuw, Fabian Guelman and Miriam Kohen of Simonetta Orsini, and the CEO of Vacheron Constantin Juan-Carlos Torres.

The Petit Palais, a luxurious five story building, is a project created by Simonetta Orsini, completed December 2009.  The historical building dates back to 1926 and showcases the world’s finest  luxury brands.  The 800 square meters palace was originally created by Norwegian architect and artist Alejandro Christophersen (1866 – 1946), who also designed some of the most outstanding works of architecture in Buenos Aires, while the remodeling was the work of Argentine architect Gustavo Gontovnikas.

The Vacheron Constantin Espace, which is located on the first floor of the building, is in line with the design aesthetic values of the historical Maison Vacheron Constantin in Geneva. The large VIP space offers an exclusive and warm setting with a comforting atmosphere, dedicated to technical and precious Haute Horlogerie. It is adorned to highlight the spectacular architecture and stylish interiors with precious wood, leather and fine furnishings creating an atmosphere of confidence and serenity.

The ceremony was followed by a dinner party on the third floor of the Petit Palais, in the exclusive Cigar Club Cohiba Atmosphere Buenos Aires. While guests dined, they listened to live sets from the Teatro Colon, which is considered one of the best five opera houses in the world. For this special occasion, exclusive Vacheron Constantin pieces were showcased, testifying the elegant and refined design, the technical excellence and aesthetic perfection which define the Vacheron Constantin ancestral tradition and unique know-how.


About Vacheron Constantin
Vacheron Constantin, the world’s oldest watch manufacture, has enjoyed uninterrupted activity since its founding in 1755.  A full-fledged watch Manufacture, it masters the complete creative process, ranging from research and development of movements, the aesthetic definition of each of its models, the full set of stages in designing and making the watch components, through to entirely hand-crafted finishing. Vacheron Constantin – a branch of the Richemont Group since 1996 – runs two Swiss production sites with complementary activities: the new site in Plan-les-Ouates/Geneva, a contemporary Manufacture and international brand headquarters where the company moved to since August 2004; and the “Ateliers” in the Vallée de Joux which is home to the movement Research and Development unit and to the manufacturing of the components of mechanical movements.  Vacheron Constantin currently employs around 500 people worldwide, including almost 400 watchmakers, engineers, designers, craftsmen and staff in Switzerland. The company has developed its business in almost 80 countries around the world, distributed through 24 exclusive boutiques, as well as a network of less than 450 carefully selected points of sale.




CHECK OUT!

Vacheron Constantin's Watches at Interwatches!



Possible Related Links:

[ Vacheron Constantin's Official Website ]

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Wednesday 26 May, 2010 - 10:20 AM EDT

The Most Innovative Men's Wristwatch Collection

Vacheron Constantin awarded at the Fashion Olymp – 2010 Ceremony

The international award ceremony "Fashion Olymp – 2010" took place on March, 2010 in The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Moscow and it was attended by the best representatives of the fashion and luxury industry. Only the ever worthy, brilliant and legendary brands were able to conquer the peak of Olymp.

Fashion Olymp is an international fashion, style and design award which is granted for exceptional achievements in world’s fashion industry organized by an international TV channel Fashion TV Russia in cooperation with Rodionov Publishing House. This year, the ceremony aimed to draw attention to innovative fashion trends, as well as to emphasize the contemporary ideas of the world fashion industry, spotlight the authors of the most brilliant modern achievements and to pay tribute to the legendary and everlasting brands that defy time itself.
Vacheron Constantin brand-manager in Russia & CIS Nicolas Deflers received "The Most Innovative Men’s Wristwatch Collection" award that was granted to a "Quai de l’Ile" model.
The Quai de l’Ile line was named after the historic Geneva address of the first Vacheron Constantin Manufacture. The revolutionary 7-part construction of the case and middle now allows every Quai de l’Ile watch owner to personalize their timepiece. The dial incorporates the most advanced horological techniques as well as Security Printing technologies, the movements are designed and developed by Vacheron Constantin and are stamped with the Geneva Hallmark. Quai de l’Ile collection is peerless, with its contemporary and innovative timepieces combining the most advanced technologies with the finest horological savior-faire: personalization, security, excellent workmanship and finishing and high quality service.


CHECK OUT!

Vacheron Constantin's Watches at Interwatches!


Possibel Related Links:

[ Vacheron Constantin's Official Website ]

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Thursday 13 May, 2010 - 10:00 AM EDT

2010 Vacheron Constantin and Golf

Snow Golf Cup

Snow and a festive, friendly atmosphere were part of the mix in Megève when the famous French ski resort hosted 250 professional and amateur golfers to the white-blanketed fairways of the Mont d'Arbois golf course for the 10th anniversary  Vacheron Constantin Snow Golf Cup.

The patron of the 2010 edition, Alain Boghossian (Football World Champion in 1998), along with Philippe Guilhem (a jeweller in Megève and the founder-organiser of the competition) and Marc Guten (International Director of Swiss watch manufacturer Vacheron Constantin) welcomed the many personalities taking part, including:

-    Cédric Heymans, international rugby player from the Stade Toulousain club
-    Fabrice Tarnaud, Professional French Champion and golf consultant for Canal+
-    Ghislain Rosier, member of the Challenge Tour,
As well as the following captains of industry:
-    Nicolas de Tavernost (Chairman of the Board of Directors of M6),
-    Paolo de Cesare (President and CEO of the Printemps),
-    Christopher Baldelli (Chairman of the Board of Directors of RTL),
-    Thierry Chassagne (President of Warner Music France)…


After the two days of competition, the final rankings were topped by Jean-Yves Di Martino and Nathalie Guten. The prize-giving ceremony took place under the “Dome” installed at the heart of the village of Megève, followed by an evening at the Alpaga hotel masterfully orchestrated by Michelin-starred chefs Emmanuel Renaut (Flocons de Sel), Michel Roth (Ritz Paris) and Olivier Bardoux (Chalet du Mont d'Arbois):


 Vacheron Constantin Snow Golf Cup 2010 - Results

1st Net Nathalie Guten and Jean-Yves di Martino
2nd Net    Paul Puech and Hervé Gastinel
3rd Net    Olivier Habert and Eric Taberlet

Prize for Elegance : Rose Chassagne
Ladies' Drive Competition : Anne Fourdrignier
Men's Drive Competition : Ghislain Rosier




CHECK OUT!
Vacheron Constantin's Watches at Interwatches!


Possible Related Link:

[ Vacheron COnstantin's Press Release ]

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Tuesday 11 May, 2010 - 11:20 AM EDT

Vacheron Constantin: The "Metiers d' Art"

La symbolique Des Laques Collection

No one at Vacheron Constantin can be unaware of what a passion for fine watchmaking involves. For without passion, there are no real expectations. Undoubtedly, one of Vacheron Constantin’s greatest qualities is that it remains faithful to these visionaries and virtuosi of another age. Vacheron Constantin is deeply committed to handing down and developing the watchmaking trades, especially the artistic crafts, which bring together the quintessential skills of the highly specialized decorative arts used in watchmaking (enameller, engraver, guillocheur, and gem-setter). This commitment continues today through timepieces that are true works of art and whose manufacturing secrets survive in the workshops of only a few masters and craftsmen.


Vacheron Constantin institutionalized with the Métiers d’Art collection in 2004 (Tribute to the Great Explorers) demonstrated its unshakeable will to perpetuate one of its core values: carrying on the traditions of craftsmanship found in fine watchmaking’s artistic trades.

The incredible reaction to the Métiers d’Art – Les Masques collection born of the encounter between Vacheron Constantin and Geneva’s Barbier-Mueller Museum has only strengthened the watch manufacturer’s conviction that today, more than ever, it is important to match the cultural and artistic trades with watchmaking of the highest technical quality.

Such a combining of talents, associating both technical and decorative virtuosity with accuracy, perfectly illustrates Vacheron Constantin’s core values: seeking excellence, supporting creativity, being open to the world, respecting and handing down traditions, and finally, sharing the passion.



Related:  How did the “Métiers d’Art – La symbolique des laques” collection came about ? -



CHECK OUT!

Vacheron Constantin's Watches at Interwatches!



Source:
[ Vacheron Constantin's Press Release ]

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