Elite Traveler Fall 2022

INFLUENCE CRAFTSMANSHIP

by Roberta Naas

Behind the scenes with Vacheron Constantin Since the 18th century, Vacheron Constantin has crafted some of the most precise, advanced and innovative timepieces in the world. Now the brand brings its métiers d’arts prowess to all new heights with its Tribute to Great Civilisations collection

There are likely fewer than a handful of top watch brands capable of paying tribute to the world’s greatest art, cultures, histories and empires. The esteemed Vacheron Constantin, though, with roots dating back almost 270 years to 1755, is at the very top of that handful. In spring 2022, after partnering with the famous Musée du Louvre in Paris three years ago, the brand unveiled its Tribute to Great Civilisations series of extremely limited-edition watches. Not only do the new timepieces in this collection pay homage to some of the greatest cultures of all time, but also — and maybe more important for this venerable brand — they are most likely the epitome of Vacheron Constantin’s exceptional watchmaking expertise and superlative métiers d’arts abilities. The highly knowledgeable watchmaking and design team of this Geneva-based brand spent months tirelessly working with the curators at the Louvre to de fi ne and select four of the greatest civilizations of all time to embrace. The process required selecting the era, the perfect art form for the dial center and background, as well as the writing on the watch — all from the

same time frame. The entire process took several years and was no easy feat, despite the fact that the artisans and craftspeople employed by Vacheron Constantin all excel in the ancient arts of enamel, miniature hand painting, marquetry, engraving, sculpturing and more. “I believe we have elevated the level of métiers d’arts to a point that we have never reached before. Even though these watches pay tribute to ancient civilizations, they are totally modern and innovative, as well,” says Christian Selmoni, Vacheron Constantin’s style and heritage director. “One of the most challenging aspects was to be respectful of history, to be authentic and to re-create the past as precisely as possible but in a truly artistic way. The craftsmanship and the dedication to the origins of each watch makes this series jump from amazing to phenomenal.” Just fi ve of each of the four civilization watches will ever be made. They include the golden age of Ancient E g ypt with the Grand Sphinx de Tanis in the center of the dial; the rise of the fi rst Roman emperor, Augustus, with the bust of Augustus in the center; the Hellenistic period of ancient Greece with the winged statue

of Victoire de Samothrace in the limelight; and the Persian Empire of Darius the Great, with the powerful symbol of the lion in the center. Each watch is more beautiful and intricate than the next and, thanks to the collaboration with the Louvre, each is an incomparable work of art and history brought to life expressly for the wrist. The making of Lion de Darius Easily one of the most impactful of the series is the Lion de Darius watch that pays homage to the Persian Empire of the Achaemenids (559 - 330 BC), where the Frieze of Lions chiseled in stone and then painted graced the walls of the courtyard of the palace of Darius the Great in Susa (southwestern Iran). For the watch, the lion takes center stage in the form of a 3D hand carved, sculpted piece of gold whose stately muscles, fur and gaze are magni fi cently detailed. The backdrop behind the lion on the dial is a breathtaking stone wall made in colors that emulate the original painting on stone. It is

Above right The lion motif celebrates the era of Darius. Just fi ve pieces will be made Left Vacheron Constantin’s Tribute to Great Civilisations series consists of four watches, each celebrating a di ff erent time and place in history

Photos Romain Levrault, Eric Sauvage