Since its inception, Vacheron Constantin has woven an unbreakable bond with art and culture, a legacy vividly manifested in its partnership with the Louvre. Initiated in 2019, this alliance transcends mere personalization of timepieces, offering clients experiences that delve into the heart of artistic and cultural splendor. This collaboration's pinnacle is the unique timepiece, "Les Cabinotiers – Homage to Pierre Paul Rubens, The Struggle for the Standard from the Battle of Anghiari," birthed from the 2020 "Bid for the Louvre" auction. Vacheron Constantin now presents an experiential offering aptly named "A Masterpiece on the Wrist.”

The cultural and artistic partnership

In December 2020, Vacheron Constantin joined the "Bid for the Louvre" auction, supporting Le Studio's educational initiatives at the Louvre. The auction's highlight was a unique Vacheron Constantin experience, offering a bespoke Les Cabinotiers watch with a dial featuring an enamel reproduction of an artwork from the Louvre, chosen by the auction winner. This exclusive experience also included a private tour of the Louvre and its Cabinet des Dessins, leading to the selection of "La lutte pour l'étendard de la Bataille d'Anghiari" by Pierre Paul Rubens for the watch's dial. This collaboration underscored Vacheron Constantin's commitment to art and culture, merging fine horology with the historical art of the Louvre.

In 2021, the partnership between Vacheron Constantin and the Louvre blossomed further, offering a rare glimpse into the art studios of these two prestigious institutions. A series of videos showcased a fascinating parallel between the meticulous crafts of their respective master artisans. The following year, 2022, brought forth another marvel - the launch of four watches under the Métiers d’Art – Tribute to Great Civilisations collection, each a homage to the museum's antique collections.

As the tale unfolds into 2023, this magical collaboration continues to evolve. The new Les Cabinotiers offering, "A Masterpiece on the Wrist," invites clients into a world where they can choose a piece of art from the Louvre to be immortalized in enamel on their watch dial. This initiative is not just a service; it's a portal to a realm where time and art dance in harmony, each Vacheron Constantin watch becoming a canvas for history's greatest stories.

A New Experiential Offer

In a unique blend of artistry and craftsmanship, Vacheron Constantin, in collaboration with the Louvre Museum, presents "A Masterpiece on Your Wrist." This exclusive experience offers patrons a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Louvre's hidden treasures and the meticulous world of watchmaking at Vacheron Constantin.

Clients are invited to embark on a journey of bespoke creation, crafting a one-of-a-kind watch featuring an enamel dial that replicates an artwork from the Louvre, many unseen by the public. This personalized timepiece is authenticated by the museum and is born out of a private tour of the Louvre and the Manufacture Vacheron Constantin, where the art of watchmaking is showcased by master artisans.

Echoing the heritage of the cabinotiers of Geneva's Enlightenment era, this initiative celebrates Vacheron Constantin's long-standing tradition of precision and excellence, dating back to 1755. "A Masterpiece on Your Wrist" is not just an offering; it's a testament to the enduring legacy of art and horology.

Les Cabinotiers, Homage to Pierre Paul Rubens

Vacheron Constantin's master enameller reflects on the dynamic contrast in a drawing by Pierre Paul Rubens, depicting the Battle of Anghiari, where the robust figures and horses are set against delicate sepia tones. This artwork holds a fascinating history: Rubens, during his stay in Italy in the early 17th century, acquired and retouched a piece initially started by Leonardo da Vinci for the Palazzo della Signoria in Florence. Da Vinci's unfinished masterpiece, intended to commemorate a notable military victory, was later obscured by Giorgio Vasari's renovations.

Despite attempts to locate da Vinci's original work beneath Vasari's frescoes, it remains undiscovered. Infrared analysis of Rubens' drawing at the Louvre, however, revealed underlying traces of a sketch possibly linked to Leonardo's preparatory work, intertwining Rubens' artistic modifications with the remnants of da Vinci's legendary design.

Masterful Miniaturization: The Art of Enamel on a Timepiece

Vacheron Constantin's master enameller reveals the complexity of transcribing a pen-and-ink drawing onto a tiny 3.3 cm watch dial. The process requires deep immersion into the artwork to capture its essence and detail without losing the graphic's strength. This task, a blend of technical prowess and creative ingenuity, is emblematic of the expertise housed within Vacheron Constantin's Métiers d'Art workshop.

The technique of miniature enameling, underlined by a Geneva flux undercoat, adds a transparent, colorless layer that enhances the enamel's vibrancy and depth. In this specific timepiece, the master enameller innovatively used blanc de Limoges in the grisaille enamel to create a sense of depth and movement, particularly in the horse's mane. This careful application of enamel not only brings the artwork to life but also adds a three-dimensional effect, showcasing the master's skill in bringing a centuries-old technique into contemporary watchmaking.

The Art of Engraving: A Master's Touch in Haute Horlogerie

Vacheron Constantin’s master engraver emphasizes the significance of engraving in elevating the elegance of high-end watches. This craft not only adds aesthetic value but also intertwines historical narratives into the design. A notable example is the incorporation of the motto "Cerca Trova" (He who seeks finds), famously visible on one of Vasari's frescoes. Contrary to popular belief, this phrase isn't linked to Leonardo da Vinci's lost Battle of Anghiari. Instead, it served as a subtle taunt from Cosimo de’ Medici towards his Florentine, Sienese, and French adversaries, reflecting the political intrigues of his time. The engraving of such a motto on a timepiece is a testament to the depth and complexity that fine engraving brings to haute horlogerie, blending artistry with historical storytelling.

Conclusion

In the realm of haute horlogerie, the fusion of exquisite craftsmanship with historical and artistic narratives is not just an act of creation; it is the weaving of a timeless story. Through the meticulous work of master craftsmen and the integration of rich historical motifs like "Cerca Trova," luxury watches from houses like Vacheron Constantin transcend their role as mere timekeepers, becoming storied artifacts that wear history on their wrists.

The inclusion of such motifs and techniques speaks to a deeper appreciation of art and history, connecting the wearers of these timepieces to the grand tapestry of the past. As we marvel at these horological masterpieces, we are reminded that every minute detail, every engraved word, and every artistic homage encapsulates a narrative much larger than the watch itself. In the world of high-end watchmaking, every piece is not just a product of time – it is a keeper of stories, a testament to the enduring legacy of art and history intertwined with the passage of time.

Technical Specifications

Brand: Vacheron Constantin x Le Louvre
Case: 18K 5N pink gold, Officer-type case back, with line engraving 40 mm diameter, 9.42 mm thick
Caliber: 2460 SC, Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin, 26.2 mm (111⁄4’’’) diameter, 3.6 mm thick
22K pink gold oscillating weight with the Louvre eastern façade engraving Approximately 40 hours of power reserve, 182 components, 27 jewels
Hallmark of Geneva-certified timepieces
Movement: Mechanical, self-winding
Dial: Miniature and grisaille enamels 18K 5N pink gold hands
Buckle: 18K 5N pink gold pin buckle
Functions: Hours, minutes, and center seconds
Bracelet: Brown Mississippiensis alligator leather
Price: On demand

Useful Links

Vacheron Constantin Official Website & Instagram

Address: Pl. de Longemalle 1, 1204 Genève, Suisse

Phone number: 022 316 17 40

Vacheron Constantin x Le Louvre