Vacheron Constantin will be holding an Exhibition at the National Museum of Singapore called – An initiatory journey into the heart of time
From June 24th to August 14th 2011, Vacheron Constantin and the National Museum of Singapore extend an invitation to discover the history of the Manufacture and that of Genevan Haute Horlogerie. This is the first major public exhibition of the heritage of the world’s oldest watch manufacturer in uninterrupted activity since its founding, the “Treasures of Vacheron Constantin – A legacy of watchmaking since 1755” shed light on more than 250 years of creativity, history and know-how.
Conceived as an educational journey revolving around the spirit of the artisans cabinotiers of the 18th Century, the exhibition is an exploration of the evolution of the measurement of time, of its crafts and of artistic influences, a trilogy that defines the history of Vacheron Constantin since its foundation. The visitor travels back in time via 180 exceptional pieces from the heritage of the Manufacture in Geneva, in an exposition covering 600m2. From archived documents belonging to Jean-Marc Vacheron and Francois Constantin to particular watchmaking tools, and from the Genevan workbenches of the artisans cabinotiers to the machines invented by the Manufacture, the set design gives life to a technical and aesthetic universe of incredible richness.
Like an open book on the past and present, the pieces of the exhibit highlight the Métiers d’Art without which the Haute Horlogerie of Geneva would not shine as brightly. The centerpiece of this exhibition will be a brilliant illustration of this truth: the pocket watch Les Bergers of Arcadia created in 1923 embodies in and of itself the alchemy of manufacturing know-how developed in the course of an endless quest for excellence. On location for several days following the exposition’s opening, talented artisans of the Manufacture enthrall visitors with some of their secrets. Engraver, gem-setter, guillocheur, enameller and watchmaker showcase a know-how inherited from past centuries that continues to nurture constant creativity.
“This first major exhibition of ‘Treasures of Vacheron Constantin – A legacy of watchmaking since 1755’ marks the start of a long journey into the cultural richness of our history, one that echoes that of Haute Horlogerie. A story that remains one of the finest demonstrations of a community working together, where every timepiece is the result of a symbiosis of talents and the extraordinary men and women who combine their expertise in pursuit of a common goal. It is our duty to share this heritage representing an invaluable human footprint in history.” Juan Carlos Torres, CEO of Vacheron Constantin.
“As this voyage unfolds, we realise that the extensive history of watch-making focuses not only on developmental and technical innovations, but also reflects the evolution of time, history in general as well as trends and patterns in life”, Lee Chor Lin, Director of the National Museum of Singapore.
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