Maintaining traditional craftmanship and a living heritage
For 270 years, Vacheron Constantin’s human adventure has brought together a community of over ten generations of passionate craftsmen-women. They work to preserve and enhance our expertise in Belle Haute Horologia.
CRAFTS, ARTS & CULTURE ENGAGEMENTS
Founded in 1755, Vacheron Constantin is the oldest watchmaking manufacture in the world with uninterrupted activity. This living heritage is transmitted through generations of master watchmakers and instilled widely amongst our employees, our clients and society at large.
Today, this spirit of transmission continues to flourish and is also embodied in our support for the arts and culture.
KEY FACTS
Transmission of know-how at the heart of our concerns
Vacheron Constantin's master watchmakers are the guardians of a unique know-how passed down through generations since 1755. Vacheron Constantin perpetuates this community dedicated to high watchmaking.
Each year, the Vacheron Constantin apprenticeship programme offers young watchmakers three high-quality specialised courses, in two, three or four years of practice. This enables them to gradually reach utmost precision in the watchmaking gesture. Vacheron Constantin works closely with the École des Métiers et Artisans de Haute Horlogerie in Geneva to promote the training of these young professionals.
Today, our Manufacture is home to several Métiers d'Art: guilloché, gem-setting, engraving and enamelling - not to mention the art of restoring historic pieces. These crafts are part of our rich heritage, with their ability to transform materials and create beauty.
Their skills are passed on and perpetuated through ongoing training in rare arts and crafts, some of which are in danger of disappearing.
KEY FACTS
Partnerships in support of arts and culture
Imagination and creativity have always fuelled the development of the Maison. Our support for the arts and culture is embodied in partnerships with institutions and artists who share our values of passing on and preserving know-how.
The 6 international talents we are proud to collaborate with were chosen for their spirit of excellence, their openness to the world, and their creativity: photographer and explorer Cory Richards, haute-couture designer Yiqing Yin, singer-songwriter Benjamin Clementine, designer Ora Ito, prima ballerina Chan Chun Wai and artist Zaria Forman.
Committed to arts and culture, Vacheron Constantin collaborates with artists whose talents and creations convey a sense of innovation and search for excellence and artistry. The Maison had the privilege of collaborating with, amongst others, Emirati artist Omar Al Gurg for the Dubai Mall boutique, Aboriginal artist Reko Rennie for the Sydney boutique, artist Olivia Lee for the Singapore Marina Bay Sands boutique, artist Kumiko Misaki for the Tokyo Ginza boutique and artist Jojo Anavim for the New York City boutique.
Through the One-Of-Not-Many programme (OONM) in collaboration with the MET and with Abbey Road Studio, Vacheron Constantin provides direct support to emerging young talents. Our two current mentors are musician-director Woodkid and prima ballerina Chan Chun Wai. A new programme has also been opened with the Educational Institute of the Palace Museum.