The Treasures of Vacheron Constantin exhibition explores the history of refined timekeeping through the exquisite timepieces of Vacheron Constantin which has its roots in 18th century Geneva, Switzerland, with production still continuing to the present day.
Pastor John Calvin settled in Geneva in 1535 when it became a safe haven for Protestantism. Many persecuted Protestants from across Europe came to Geneva bringing when them talents like banking, craftsmanship and in particular horology knowhow. The corporations and guilds that are formed are among the oldest in the world and they made employed in the horology industry by 1800.
This exhibition strives to show an unbroken link between the spirit of watch making today and the heady days of Haute Horlogerie ( fine horology ) stretching back to 1755. Early watch making in Geneva is conducted in the cabinet ( a small workshop usually on the top floor of a house ) where cabinotiers ( craftsmen ) practiced their skills of Haute Horlogerie. More than 40 crafts are combined in a fabrique ( a place of manufacture ) to make timepieces that made Geneva the centre of watch making excellence.
The exhibition attempts to capture a flavour of the character of the 18th century cabinotiers through the workbenches and tools of master craftsmen that produced the technically sophisticated and artistically refined heritage-timepieces of Vacheron Constantin.
With 180 fines watches on display, this exhibition captures the artistic finesse and technological skills of the Vacheron Constantin artisans. Also on display are watch making tools, machinery and workbenches which all together offers a holistic and contextual view into the complexity of the watch making industry.
No comments:
Post a Comment