Vacheron Constantin

Watch Week 2013: PART 2

Bespoke Watches and other surprises... What Transpired During the Evening

My apologies for the delay on Part 2 as well as for the quality of the evening photos below. The difficult lighting challenged my photography skills or lack thereof. I hope, however, that these poor photos will at least give a sense of what we were able to experience during the event.

Vacheron Constantin North American hosted an event during one evening of Madison Avenue Watch Week to introduce collectors to the brand’s bespoke watchmaking service, Atelier Cabinotiers Special Order service.

Bestselling author of “A Grand Complication,” Stacy Perman started things off by entertaining us with a fascinating portrait of preeminent watch collectors James Ward Packard and Henry Graves, Jr. Her insights were very interesting and perfectly set up the ensuing discussion of the Cabinotiers services.

Hugues de Pins and Dominique Bernaz (Director of Atelier Cabinotiers) were our hosts for the evening at the incomparable restaurant Daniel.

Monsieur Bernaz guided us through the process of ordering and creating a bespoke watch through Vacheron Constantin.

What I learned during the course of the evening is just how extraordinary the bespoke process is at Vacheron Constantin. Launched officially in 2006, Atelier Cabinotiers Special Order service truly continues the long tradition of creating bespoke watches for customers since its founding. I was blown away by what they are capable of creating and how beautifully they serve the Cabinotiers clients. For instance, while we were given no details on the projects on which they are currently working (as it should be, they steadfastly maintain the privacy of their clients), one bespoke watch is so complicated that the Atelier has been working on it since 2007 and will not deliver the watch until 2015. I will forestall your inevitable questions and tell you that it is not my special order. ;-)

It was absolutely remarkable that throughout the evening VC brought out many of the best-of-the-best pieces from their current production for us to see, handle and try on.

While this Patrimony Traditionnelle calibre 2755 is not bespoke, could one request a better watch?

And there were some lovely watches for the ladies as well.

I should have taken a photo of the buckle on this 1972 collection watch as it is diamond-encrusted and in the same asymmetric shape as the watch – just a lovely, well-conceived detail that makes this watch sparkle even more.

Many thanks to Hugues de Pins, Dominique Bernaz, Dorit Engel, Hyla Bauer, Daniel Adams, Ellen Sorensen, Ashley Schaffer and the entire VCNA team for putting together this extraordinary event.

During the afternoon, Andre, Amy, Karolin, Eduardo de Castro and the stellar NY Vacheron Constantin Boutique team took good care of us, and we appreciated it very much.

I also want to thank Daniel Boulud and his talented team for creating a delicious and clever “bespoke” dining experience for us.

Great company, food and watches -- what could be better? I will leave that to Francois Constantin...

Thanks for looking. respo

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Seems tourbillon's were on the menu :-)

By: Tick Talk : April 15th, 2013-06:40

I feel dizzy looking at all those whirlwinds. Seriously though, looks like a great time was had. Next trip organized by VC should be the the gym ;-)

LOL!

By: respo : April 15th, 2013-06:45

Wise words from our own "modern age Indiana Jones." Best, respo

What a wonderful evening!!

By: WHL : April 15th, 2013-07:31

I'm glad that you enjoyed yourself. Were any other collectors in attendance lucky owners of a Cabinotiers timepiece? (I would understand if they didn't want it photographed). Bill

It was a wonderful evening

By: respo : April 15th, 2013-08:07

I am not sure if there were any Cabinotiers owners there, but I did not have the chance to meet everyone. Best, respo

Great report, Robert

By: yesjb : April 15th, 2013-07:56

Looks like it was a fantastic evening. I'm sorry I missed it. I was in NYC this past weekend, but alas, too late. :-( I did visit the Boutique to say hello though. Besides the usual suspects that were there, Doug Escribano from Christies was there as was ...

Sorry we missed each other

By: respo : April 15th, 2013-08:04

I hope we will have a chance to catch up next time you are in NYC. But I am glad you made it to the Boutique. Did you have a chance to see the 2013 novelties again while you were there? Any additional thoughts? Best, respo

Yes, I did

By: yesjb : April 15th, 2013-17:46

I did look at the 1972 and the new PT Patr. Traditionelle. And I must confess that side by side I did prefer the latter. Those were the only ones I looked at. I spent most of the time chatting with Dorit, Jerome and Daniel. But i may be in town next month...

PART 3 coming soon, Robert? [nt]

By: radekw : April 17th, 2013-10:13

If by Part 3 you mean...

By: respo : April 17th, 2013-12:30

...a new watch for me... :-) Well, maybe soon, but I can tell you it will not be a Cabinotiers piece. There are enough "regular" production and LEs from VC to satisfy me. Warmest regards, Robert