Vacheron Constantin

The Métiers d’Art series of watches pay tribute to great civilizations. Photo: Courtesy Vacheron Constantin
It was a night at the museum to go down in history. This week, special guests were delighted with a private tour of the Louvre in Paris. The occasion was the reveal of four Vacheron Constantin Métiers d’Art watches stemming from a partnership with the Louvre and inspired by great civilizations of Antiquity—Egypt, Persian, Greek, and Roman. Years in the making, the limited-edition timepieces (five per theme) featured a miniature interpretation of a historic artwork representative of one of the four eras on the dials. Created in the form of gold appliqués is the Great Sphynx of Tanis from the Ancient Egyptian Empire (2035—1680BC); the Lion of Darius from the Persian Empire of the Achaemenids (559—330BC); the Victory of Samothrace from Hellenistic Greece of the Antigonid dynasty (277—168BC); and the Bust of Augustus from the Roman Empire of the Julio-Claudians (27 BC—68AD).
Following an haute cuisine buffet lunch at the private men’s Automobile Club—open to all Vacheron Constantin invitees for the occasion, guests retired to their rooms at the Crillon hotel where, notably, Lebanese architect Aline Asmar d’Amman collaborated with Karl Lagerfeld to renovate its most exquisite suites. After changing into gowns and black tie, guests reconvened at the Louvre—again exceptionally void of people save for a quartet playing mystical music composed for the evening. After walking through the grand courtyard, past flag bearers, guests entered the I. M. Pei.-designed pyramid and descended for a dinner prepared by three-starred Michelin chef Frederic Anton.
Aligned with the theme, each of the four dishes was inspired by one of the aforementioned great civilizations. Green asparagus, poutargue, candied lemon, virgin olive oil with elder flower, and caviar was a nod to Egypt. Seabass, fennel salad, mariniere sauce, and truffle savings was inspired by Greece; Bresse rousted poultry, Roman style artichokes, curry powder and greasy juice pointed to the Roman empire; while honey, light mousse, crunchy sugar, grenade sherbet, and raspberry coulis was inspired by Persia. Adding heightened drama to the soirée, each dish was preceded by a musical highlight also touching on one of the four civilizations. After dinner was served, a curtain dropped, and a full orchestra revealed itself to the enchanted crowd. The Swiss maison offered a gala evening very much aligned with its ethos of niche and authenticity; undeniably, this night was one of not many.

A closer look at the inspiration and processes behind the four new timepieces:

The Buste d’ Auguste looks back at th Roman Empire of the Julio-Claudians (27 BC – 68 AD). Photo: Courtesy Vacheron Constantin
The Ancient Egyptian Empire (2035-1680 BC) is honored with a timepiece that depicts the Grand sphinx de Tanis. Photo: Courtesy Vacheron Constantin
The vibrant art of the Persian Empire of the Achaemenids (559 – 330 BC) comes to life via the Lion de Darius. ​Photo: Courtesy Vacheron Constantin
As a tribute to Hellenistic Greece of the Antigonid dynasty (277 – 168 BC), Vacheron Constantin presents the Victoire de Samothrace ​. Photo: Courtesy Vacheron Constantin

Louvre Partnership x Vac 2020 Christie’s Experience

A bespoke, one-of-a-kind Vacheron Constantin watch is up for auction at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Its Les Cabinotiers watch, whose dial reproduces in miniature enamel an artwork kept in the Louvre Museum and chosen by its buyer, is part of the Bid For The Louvre auction on until December 15.
“Vacheron Constantin’s Les Cabinotiers watch is the only horological lot among the unique and exclusive pieces put up for auction,” shares Christian Selmoni, style and heritage director for Vacheron Constantin. “This participation was a natural choice for the manufacture, testifying to its profound attachment to art and culture as well as its concern for safeguarding and passing on heritage in all its forms.”
A mock-up of the Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers watch.

Donated on behalf of the Swiss watch brand, which has been a partner of the Louvre since 2019, it will join other bids, with the aim to bolster arts and culture and celebrate beauty and art. It presents a unique opportunity for the future owner to experience an unforgettable artistic exchange between Paris and Geneva.
“We are proud to be taking part along other artists and maisons in this exceptional auction organized by the Louvre and Christie’s in support of the museum’s solidarity projects,” comments Louis Ferla, Vacheron Constantin CEO. “Our ongoing commitment to art and the transmission of savoir-faire – which has been expressed alongside the Louvre since the announcement of our partnership a year ago – takes on even greater significance within a global context that is troubled and challenging in more ways than one. Putting up for auction a Les Cabinotiers timepiece based on a masterpiece, a one-of-a-kind model personalized in accordance with the acquirer’s wishes, symbolizes the identity of our maison and its mission to promote the sharing of culture and emotions.” The owner will also be able to choose the case material of platinum, pink, or white gold, have an engraving made on the officer-type case-back; and choose the strap from a selection of various materials and colors.
Autumn by Giuseppe Arcimboldo

The successful bidder will start their journey in Paris with a private visit to the Louvre, led by its best expert. There, they will select the piece to be reproduced in enamel on the dial. Known as the Geneva technique, and dating from the 18th century, this miniature enamel is done by only the most experienced artisan masters of both pigment and fire. One of the main challenges consists in composing a color palette compliant with the original shades of the work, while remaining keenly aware that the multiple firings in the kiln at over 800°C are liable to alter its color and brilliance share the team behind Vacheron Constatin. Grisaille enamel as a craft, appeared in the 16th century and consists of superimposing touches of a rare white enamel on a layer of dark enamel coating the gold dial base. Each layer of enamel is then fired in a kiln, timed to the second.
100% of the sale proceeds of the Christie’s auction will support the solidarity projects of Le Louvre.
Read Next: HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saudi pens an open letter in Vogue Arabia