Jaw
6177
Photo Essay of the VC Geneva Dec 2004 trip - Building for a Lift Off year in 2005!
Our dear Vacheron Constantin (VC) forum moderator Alex Ghotbi has done a great report here at
http://www.network54.com/Forum/thread?forumid=125476&messageid=1102687446
on the Grand Opening of its "Maison" on Dec 8th, and he will cover in greater detail the series of events leading to the 250th Anniversary year in 2005.
(We arrived in Geneva late in the 7th December morning, were received by Press Relations Director Pascal Brandt and Asia Pacific Managing Director Jean-Michelle Paray and had our lunch almost immediately. Shown here are Revolutionary Wei Koh, Smart Investor Timmy Tan and my buddy Larry Wee.)
This posting is much a photo- experience of our press trip which PuristS founder Thomas Mao, VC forum moderator Alex Ghotbi and I attended.
I made this post in the hope to share our exciting experience with more PuristS so that you may understand the intense of anticipation and excitement and the well- planned effort of Vacheron Constantin to build a strong foundation ready for take off by 2005 in the process of brand- building in the segment of haute horlogerie.
Contrary to popular perception, the 250th anniversary will not be a big bang year that ONLY celebrates the strong heritage, but is rather very comprehensively planned programme to ensure things will be in the right place by 2005 and thereafter. VC has done some serious work in planning the followings:
- Acquisition of HDG Mannufacture (now Vacheron Constantin Valee-de-Joux) and a rapid and intensive investment programme in building up Expertise, skills and funding in the new Movements Research & Development. This includes the YET to be confirmed rumour that the well- respected and innovative watchmaker Reinhard Meis has been helping VC for some time. This centre in the Vallee is responsible for designing, developing movements and machining the parts, involving extensive parts- finishing and decorating by hand. Including some assembly of Grande complication models such as minute repeaters and tourbillons etc.
(Indonesia, Malaysia & Singapore General Manager David Heng)
- A company is only as good as the people running it collectively. VC is getting the organisational structure right with the implementation of a clearly laid out succession plan. And ensuring that all the right people are where they should be - see part 2 of this photo essay.
(Jenny Hui & Jean-Michelle Paray)
- Setting up of the fantastic new Manufacture and Head office in Plan-les-Ouates, near Geneva. In addition to assembling, movement rating, regulation and QC, casing-up, after sales-Service etc, this centre also serves as the management and administration office of the brand.
(Larry Wee)
- Re-opening of the historical Quai de L'Ile Maison Vacheron Constantin Geneva on 8th December 2004. This serves as the MAIN boutique for the brand on the ground floor and a Heritage or Patrimony area on the upper floor, where visitors can view a big collection of VC vintage watches and tools, see master watchmakers at work AND discuss and indent customised watches on the premise.
(Larry Wee & Timmy Tan)
- (More details from Alex next year) Launching of the highly anticipated 250th anniversary collection in February 2005 and then again a separate SIHH 2005 collections - Coinciding with SIHH 2005 will be an exceptional Antiquorum auction of 250 pieces of Vacheron Constantin watches on April 3rd.
(Jean-Michelle Paray)
(Timmy Tan)
The Last Photo.
(Press and Public Relation Director Pascal Brandt and Jenny Hui)
Jaw
