Story by Ian Thorley
Vacheron Constantin today joined the festivities to celebrate 175 years of the Knightsbridge based, London luxury department store. The Swiss watchmaker, the world’s oldest, who themselves celebrated a 250 year anniversary in 2005 have chosen to bring a rare exhibition to the celebrated store, as well as bringing a number of rare pieces to exhibit to the patrons of Harrods.
The exhibition has been named “Pioneers of the Exceptional”, an immersive experience of High Watchmaking which allows the Harrods customers to discover the rare experience of the artistry from Vacheron Constantin, the makers of some of the most complicated watches. This is an exciting Summer in London for watch fanatics, since Vacheron Constantin’s sister brand Van Cleef & Arpels are also exhibiting their rarest timepieces nearby in South Kensington.
Additionally the Swiss brand have also created a one off complication in the Harrods signature green, a single-piece edition, Les Cabinotiers Armillary Tourbillon. This is not only an incredible complication but additionally a High Jewellery creation which will be exhibited at the event from 19 June to 21 July. Entirely set with an incredible 671 brilliant-cut diamonds (totalling approx. 6 cts), this 45 mm-diameter platinum watch offers a striking contrast between the brilliance of the precious stones and the delicately matt-green mother-of-pearl adorning the mainplate and bridges, a first for Vacheron Constantin. The watch is powered by the Calibre 1990, an incredibly rare movement that combines 4 patents and 57 complications, including a power reserve and tourbillon. This extremely rare watch combines the unique artistry of High Jewellery with High Watchmaking and would represent the pinnacle of any collectors watch collection.
“Pioneers of the Exceptional” additionally allows Harrods visitors to enjoy an incredible multi-sensory 4D VR experience – “The Exceptional Voyage” powered by xydrobe. This is an exhibition of a selection of Vacheron Constantin’s historically significant watches such as a 1955 ultra thin gold watch with a Maltese Cross, a brooch watch from 1901 and a gold pocket watch from 1902. Additionally, for the first time since their jubilee in 2005 visitors will be able to experience the “Tour de l’Ile” a double-sided watch in pink gold, with an incredible 16 complications, guilloché dials, made to celebrate that special anniversary in 2005. Lastly, Vacheron Constantin will be taking over all the windows on the Hans Crescent side of the store.
Like this? Read about Vacheron Constantin’s rare complications
For tickets to the exhibition, click the link
