We’ve already showed you recently those watches which are genuine works of art. Therefore, it would have been too easy to repeat today, as Vacheron Constantin has just unveiled new models inspired by pieces exhibited at the MET, the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. So it’s the perfect opportunity to wear a Van Gogh or Monet canvas on your wrist… for a few hundred thousand euros.
The art of watchmaking according to Vacheron Constantin
Few watchmaking houses attach such importance to Art (with a capital A). Already renowned for being one of the oldest in the world, the Swiss brand is also one of those that impress the most with its craftsmanship and the complexity of its models.
If its reference 57260 and its 57 complications (still a record!) highlight its horological skills, Vacheron Constantin regularly honors other artistic techniques. Whether through the creations of the Atelier Cabinotiers or with its Métiers d’Art collection, which for example each year honors the Chinese zodiac.
In 2022, the house of the Maltese Cross went even further in its approach, with its Tribute to Great Civilizations inspired by the antique collections of the Louvre. A few months later, this partnership with the Parisian museum expanded through the Cabinotiers – “A masterpiece on the wrist”, leading to the creation of a unique watch recreating Rubens’ Struggle for the Standard of the Battle of Anghiari.
Finally, in the fall of 2023, a partnership with the prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York was formalized. It logically led to the launch of these 4 unique pieces, which are just as many authentic watchmaking works of art!
4 watches for as many “wrist masterpieces”
Upon the announcement of this partnership, the director of the MET, Max Hollein, did not hide his satisfaction: “We are delighted to partner with Vacheron Constantin and are grateful for their support of the MET’s mission. We are looking forward to collaborating on a number of unique projects that build on our mutual commitment to education and the arts.”
The 4 watches that have just been presented are therefore the first realization of this partnership. These serve to relaunch the program “A masterpiece on your wrist”, initiated by Vacheron Constantin in 2019. Four works from the MET were chosen to appear on the dial of these timepieces: the paintings Wheat Field with Cypresses by Vincent van Gogh, Pond Bridge at Nymphéas by Claude Monet, North-East Wind by Winslow Homer and the sculpture Diana by Augustus Saint-Gaudens.
Each model has benefited from the expertise of Vacheron Constantin artisans, particularly in terms of enameling: miniature painting to reproduce the details, movements and spectacular colors of masterpieces, but also gray enamel, a monochromatic technique perfect for reproducing the relief of a sculpture.
Of course, the watchmaking aspect of these watches has not been neglected, with the presence of various calibres from Vacheron Constantin such as the 2755 TMR and 1731 manual winding, which incorporate complications such as the very poetic minute repeater, or the 2460 SC automatic, with its rose gold oscillating weight engraved with the facade of the MET.
Finally, to ensure complete immersion, the “A Masterpiece on Your Wrist” program is not limited to the purchase of the watch. Every customer ordering one of these unique pieces will also benefit from a private tour of the MET accompanied by its expert curators, as well as a visit to the Vacheron Constantin Manufacture in Geneva.