After a year’s restoration work in collaboration with the architect Eric Maria, Vacheron Constantin returned to its ‘home’ yesterday on the Quai de L’Ile in Geneva, where it has been since 1843. The continuous presence of Vacheron Constantin on the Quai de l’Ile for over 130 years is as unique and exceptional as its status in watchmaking history.
Vacheron Constantin, the world’s oldest watch Manufacture in uninterrupted activity since 1755, the ‘Maison’ Vacheron Constantin perpetuates the founding values of the finest Geneva watchmaking traditions, at the heart of a district constituting its historical cradle. Divided into two floors that form a unique entity, the ‘Maison’ houses the boutique, the brand archives, the tools and the watches from 1755 to the present day, as well as an artistic workshop dedicated to the restoration of antique watches and to the creation of one-of-a-kind or personalised models.

Traditional craftsmanship and contemporary culture
The interior design uses wood, bronze and leather to convey rarity, originality and fine workmanship, corresponding to the values inherent to horological creations carrying the Vacheron Constantin signature for the past quarter of a millennium.
Offering a modern, integrated area composed of two floors, the renovated premises are designed to be a spacious, serene and dynamic home, with the boutique on the ground floor and the heritage area on the 1st floor. The cohabitation between the current collection and vintage watches enables the visitor to grasp the essential values of the brand from its origins through to the 21st century.
On the upper floor, watches, machines, original antique furniture and company records highlight a quarter of a millennium of watchmaking history. The premises will also progressively house the areas dedicated to Vacheon Constantin’s ‘Métiers d’Art’ workshops for bevelling, engraving and decoration of the movement and the restoration of antique watches. There is also a lounge-library run by a team dedicated to the brand heritage who are available to respond to any requests for information.
The inauguration of the ‘Maison’ is a prelude to the year 2005, the calendar year commemorating the 250th anniversary of the brand, which will feature the launch of five exceptional creations: symbols representing a comprehensive survey of one quarter of a millennium of watchmaking history, and witnessing to the exceptional know-how of the master-watchmakers of Vacheron Constantin.









250 years of landmarks

1755 Jean-Marc Vacheron opens a watchmaking workshop in the Saint-Gervais district of Geneva. He creates his first models there, heralding an impressive production, and founds a dynasty that will shape the destiny of one of the greatest names in watchmaking history.

1819 At the end of the Napoleonic Wars, François Constantin joins the company. For decades, he travels tirelessly the length and breadth of Europe, opening up all the markets of the era to the marvels of ingenuity carrying the Vacheron Constantin signature.

1839 A mechanical genius hired to manage production, Georges-Auguste Leschot revolutionises watch production by developing the first machines capable of making interchangeable parts.

1875Now somewhat cramped within its historical premises on the Tour de l’Ile, the Maison moves to the nearby Rue des Moulins, where the company headquarters, museum and boutique are still located to this day.

1880Adoption of the Maltese Cross as the brand symbol, derived from a component that used to be fixed to the barrel-cover in order to prevent excessive winding of the mainspring and thus to enhance the rating precision of the watch.

1906Inauguration of the Vacheron Constantin boutique on the Rue des Moulins, at the heart of Geneva.

1911 Vacheron Constantin makes its first wristwatches.

1955 Celebration of the company bicentenary with the development of the world’s thinnest mechanical movement: just 1.64 mm!

1979 Sculpted directly from a gold ingot and then set with 130 carats of emerald-cut diamonds, the Kallista watch by Vacheron Constantin immediately asserts itself as one of the world’s most dazzling watch creations, the result of no less than 8,700 hours of meticulous workmanship.

1992Launch of the Vacheron Constantin 1755 (minute repeater) and 1760 (tourbillon) movements.

1994 Inauguration of the Vacheron Constantin private museum, a faithful reconstitution of an 18th century cabinotiers workshop.

1996The Manufacture launches its Overseas sports collection.

1998 Integration of the Haute de Gamme movement workshops in the Vallée de Joux, with which the company has enjoyed a long-established partnership and increasingly close ties.

2000Launch of the Malte Collection, characterised by its resolutely contemporary spirit, and is emblematic shaped Tourbillon.

2004Inauguration of the new Manufacture. Launch of the new Patrimony en hommage aux grands explorateurs, which perpetuates the art of enamelling.

2005 Vacheron Constantin celebrates its 250th anniversary.



Source: Vacheron Constantin Press Release

www.vacheron-constantin.com
Contact: [email protected]

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