The Vacheron Constantin watch manufactory is just a stone’s throw from the center of Geneva. This is not only where the watch brand’s parts and timepieces are created, but also where the brand’s heritage is stored in its own archive.
A watch is a work of art – and experiencing first-hand how tiny cogs, miniature screws and a lot of patience are used to create a timepiece that ticks continuously is like a visit to Disneyland for a watch fan. A 20-minute drive from the center of Geneva, the universe of Vacheron Constantin, one of the oldest watch brands in the world, opens up to us. Founded in Geneva in 1755, the company now produces the detailed timepieces in its own manufactory, the creation of which we were able to accompany on an exclusive tour of the hallowed halls.
The people behind the watches
A special highlight: the people in their overalls, most of whom have been pursuing their passion for watchmaking for years under the Vacheron Constantin umbrella. The three-year apprenticeship is followed by specialization, which often takes several years until the head and fingers are trained to such an extent that working with the small parts feels like filling out an Excel spreadsheet for others. The precise preparation, grinding, rounding and polishing of the small parts is followed by the exact assembly of the functioning movement after testing.
Vacheron Constantin’s Métier d’Art
As if the meshing of the cogwheels for the complication wasn’t miracle enough, Vacheron Constantin’s Métier d’Art workshop goes one better: this is where individualized dials, artistic bezels and cases are created, on which the engravers, gem-setters, guillochers and enamellers sometimes work for months on end. Some of the engraving is done with tools made for this delicate work – the only limit is your own patience. Depending on taste, idea and design, sparkling bracelets and bezels are created from individual gemstones. Using fine real hair brushes, gold leaf and paint, the enamellers set to work, turning dials into true masterpieces that turn any museum painting into a child’s drawing. No less impressive: the craft of guilloché engraving, which creates particularly intricate and symmetrical patterns and motifs.
A look into the archive
The true treasure of Vacheron Constantin lies in the catacombs of the Manufacture. Almost 300 years of company history are waiting to be discovered here. The staff at the in-house archive manage letters, invoices, order confirmations and accounting documents dating back several centuries, the study of which would provide bedtime stories for a lifetime. Every move is perfect when we are presented with a letter from François Constantin, one of the patrons of the company’s current name. You could spend hours sniffing through the aisles here if the watch on your wrist didn’t keep ticking.
More information about Vacheron Constantin and the entire history of the watch company can be found here.
Discover even more great watches and our favorite models of the season here.
Teaser photo & photos: © Vacheron Constantin
