On 17 October 2008, over 900 people crossed the threshold of 796 Huai Hai Lu for a gala evening to celebrate the inauguration of the second Maison Vacheron Constantin in the world and the first Dunhill Home in China, each housed in a colonial-style villa from the Decorative Arts period.

 

The Maison Vacheron Constantin is tucked away in the heart of the former French concession - Huai Hai Lu used to be called Avenue Joffre – and the guests found themselves in a haven of peace and simple splendour. Built in 1921 and lovingly restored to its original condition, it was designed, like the one in Geneva, to welcome the brand’s watch-loving friends in a warm, discreet and luxurious setting. On this unique occasion, the métiers d’art cherished by Vacheron Constantin were given pride of place, with an engraver, enameller and master watchmaker on hand to demonstrate, as they do at watch shows, their technical and aesthetic expertise on timepieces specially designed to celebrate this new artistic and horological centre.

 

In tribute to the Roaring Twenties, a tap-dancing display and an exceptional light show of the Villas were two of the evening’s highlights.

 

Also housed in the Villas are the highly exclusive Kee Club, a very popular gastronomic destination, and the ShanghArt gallery, a renowned centre for contemporary art in Asia, making the inauguration of the Maison Vacheron Constantin at this new upmarket address, 796 Huai Hai lu, one of the most magnificent events on the Shanghai social calendar for a long time.

 

Photo-captions:

- Inauguration of Twin Villas : from left to right, Marc Guten International Director of Vacheron Constantin, Odette Constantin, Juan-Carlos Torres, CEO of Vacheron Constantin, Jean Constantin et Yann Bouillonnec, Managing Director of Vacheron Constantin Asia Pacific Region

- Vacheron Constantin Mansion

- Light performance

- Inside view of the Vacheron Constantin Mansion

- Vacheron Constantin engraver at her workbench