WHL
[VC Moderator]
4922
Vacheron Constantin and ThinkSwiss
I was unable to come down to New York to attend this ThinkSwiss reception, but I know at least one Purist was there and had a nice time.
Vacheron
Constantin and the Consul General of Switzerland
Inaugurate
“ThinkSwiss: Genève Meets New York”
Cultural Week
March 8, 2012 (New York City, NY) – On March 6th, Vacheron Constantin, the world’s oldest continuous watch manufacturer for more than 255 years, hosted the inaugural cocktail for “ThinkSwiss: Genève Meets New York.” The week-long festival, in honor of the 300th birthday of Geneva-born Jean-Jacques Rousseau, consists of more than 10 events that explore the remarkable impact of the Geneva spirit, embodied in the Enlightened works of Rousseau.
Hugues de Pins , president of Vacheron Constantin North America, and Ambassador François Barras of the Consul General of Switzerland in New York, co-hosted the event at the private residence of Ambassador Barras. Among the guests were Mr. Pascal Couchepin, former President of the Swiss Confederation, Mr. Beat Reinhardt, president of the Swiss Society of New York, key speakers from the ThinkSwiss week, friends and clients.
Ambassador Barras, Hugues de-Pins, Mr. Pascal Couchepin
In his welcome speech, Hugues de Pins elaborated on the partnership. “Vacheron Constantin is proud to support this festival celebrating these ideas born in Geneva at the same time as our company’s founding, which continue to have such relevance both in New York and around the world,” said Mr. de Pins.
In perfect harmony with the beautiful penthouse on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, a selection of Vacheron Constantin timepieces were on display within the home. Guests were drawn to the magnificent pieces from the 2009 Métiers d’Art “Les Masques” collection, on display in tribute to author Michel Butor, whose poems appear on the watch dials and who is being honored at the Gallatin School during the week for his lifetime achievements. The newest Métiers d’Art collection, “Les Univers Infinis”, whose dials are inspired by the Dutch artist M.C. Escher, also attracted attention. Other new models, including the Patrimony Traditionelle 14-day Tourbillon and the 100th Year Anniversary Malte in platinum drew great admiration from guests.
Live music from a Geneva-born, New York trained jazz pianist filled the room as guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres prepared by the house chef that included Tête de Moine with pesto and apple, crab salad with curry celery remoulade and potato with crème fraiche and salmon roe. Swiss wines complemented delicate desserts of chocolate cups with mascarpone and raspberry, vanilla pana cotta with muesli and mini chocolate cake with almond and kirsch.
