Manufacture
WHL reports on Vacheron Constantin's participation in the 2nd annual Madison Avenue Watch Week, detailing the brand's exclusive events. The post highlights key activities, including a preview of the 2012 collection and a discussion on vintage timepieces, offering a glimpse into the brand's engagement with collectors.
Vacheron
Constantin kicked-off the week with an exclusive cocktail reception on the
evening of Monday, April 30th at two locations.
Hugues de Pins, president of Vacheron Constantin North America,
welcomed guests at the Vacheron Constantin Madison Avenue boutique as well as a
distinguished private bank on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Guests previewed the exclusive 2012
collection of timepieces, including the Patrimony Traditionnelle 14-Day
Tourbillon, the Métiers d’Art Les Univers Infinis, and the newly redesigned
Malte collection, the highlight pieces from this year’s SIHH. A Vacheron Constantin in-house watchmaker
gave a live watchmaking demonstration at the private bank. A jazz trio provided musical entertainment,
while guests enjoyed exquisite hors d’oeuvres while sipping Champagne and Cucumber Mint Sparklers, the
signature cocktail of the evening.
Monica Schipper Photography
On Tuesday, May 1st, Vacheron Constantin hosted a private sit-down dinner and discussion on “The Value of Vintage Timepieces.” Dominique Bernaz, International Retail Director, Vacheron Constantin and Aurel Bacs, International Head of Watches, Christie’s, led the discussion. During the debate, guests discovered the five most important qualities to look for in a vintage timepiece, illustrated with examples from Christie’s auction results. When asked for an example of a vintage timepiece embodying all the qualities, Mr. Bacs mentioned the pocket watch belonging to James Ward Packard, which sold for $1.8 million at a Christie’s auction in June 2011. The talk concluded with animated questions and answers, followed by a delicious three-course, and as a gift guests received a Treasures of Vacheron Constantin book.
Monica Schipper Photography
On Wednesday, May 2nd,
Vacheron Constantin hosted a unique tasting event led by Aldo Sohm, the world renowned Chef Sommelier at Le Bernardin and 2008
winner of the “Best Sommelier of the World.”
Mr. Sohm paired Vacheron Constantin timepieces with rare and notable
wines. For example, Les Historiques
American 1921 was paired with Dom Pérignon Oenothèque-Moet & Chandon 1996, because
of their interesting histories. The
Patrimony Contemporaine Self-Winding in Platinum, was paired with Volnay, 1er
Cru Taillepieds, Domaine Marquis d’Angerville 2006, as both are apparently simple,
but reveal internal complexity. Over the
course of the evening, guests tasted five wines and five watches, and stayed
beyond the end of the tasting to continue to enjoy their favorite bottles. Guests
received exclusive Zalto wine glasses designed by Mr. Sohm to remember the
evening by.
Monica Schipper Photography
The week concluded with Authentication and Appraisal Services, offered for the first time ever, on Friday, May 4th and Saturday, May 5th at the Madison Avenue boutique. Owners of vintage Vacheron Constantin timepieces brought their watches to be examined and appraised by an expert from the Vacheron Constantin Heritage Department, Geneva, and a Senior Specialist from Christie’s. During the two days, more than 50 watches were examined. Some timepieces dated back to the 1830’s and through the late 19th century, with several 20th century models from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. The stories gathered during the two days will be posted onto the American Heritage of Vacheron Constantin website, www.vacheron-constantin.com , to be relaunched in June.
Hugues de Pins commented: “We are very pleased to have hosted a successful series of events during the Madison Avenue Watch Week, which allowed us to welcome and engage with passionate collectors and watch enthusiasts from around the New York Area.. We are particularly thrilled with the enthusiastic response to our first-ever offering of authentication and appraisals services. The number of timepieces examined was impressive, far exceeding our expectations.”
The Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 is a distinctive reinterpretation of a cushion-shaped watch originally produced by the manufacture for the American market in the 1920s. This reference is characterized by its unique diagonal display, with the crown positioned at the 1 o'clock position and the dial rotated 45 degrees clockwise. This design was historically intended to allow drivers to read the time without removing their hands from the steering wheel, offering both a functional and aesthetically unconventional presentation within the Historiques collection.
This particular iteration of the American 1921 features a case crafted from precious metal, often rose gold, with a polished finish that highlights its cushion shape and stepped bezel. The watch is typically fitted with a manual-winding mechanical movement, visible through a sapphire crystal case back, providing a power reserve suitable for daily wear. The crystal protecting the dial is also sapphire, ensuring clarity and scratch resistance.
The American 1921 appeals to collectors seeking pieces with historical provenance and an unconventional design. Its distinctive orientation and vintage inspiration make it a conversation piece and a unique offering within Vacheron Constantin's contemporary lineup. Various sizes have been produced, catering to different wrist preferences while maintaining the core design principles of the original 1921 model.
...offered appraisal services as part of their watch week events. That's a nice service for collectors. Cheers, Daos
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