Vacheron Constantin, ‘one of not many’ watch brand
World’s oldest watch manufacturer continues to innovate exceptional timepieces: Schmiedt
Michelle Fe Santiago
KUWAIT CITY, Feb 16: Founders of the true spirit of technical and precious Haute Horlogerie, the men and women of Vacheron Constantin, the world’s oldest Haute Horlogerie manufacturer, continue to design, develop and manufacture exceptional timepieces. Established in 1755 in Geneva, Vacheron Constantin is the world’s oldest watch manufacturer and has been making watches without any interruption for 263 years now.
For more than 260 years, it has been constantly reinventing itself in keeping with the purest Fine Watchmaking traditions. Its philosophy is grounded on knowledge rather than outward appearance.
The constant innovation, the spirit of exploration, the passion and the uncompromisingly high standards of its watchmakers and artisans; the transmission of ancestral skills, the wealth of its heritage and its ability to adapt to its times: such are the values that earn it both recognition and respect within the exclusive circle of Fine Watchmaking connoisseurs.
“One of not many, would be the best words to describe Vacheron Constantin. First of all, we are the oldest watch brand that exists, by definition we are one of not many but being old just for the sake of being old is not really interesting but heritage allows you to get inspiration from the past. It allows you to do things differently than other who do not have that
Genesis G80
heritage, that’s what makes Vacheron Constantin unique,” stated Vacheron Constantin’s Brand Director for the Middle East Alexander Schmiedt during his recent visit to Kuwait.
“One of not many,” the signature of the new Vacheron Constantin communications campaign launched last year defines the exceptional universe it has embodied for more than 260 years. In the prestigious realm of Fine Watchmaking, this is a Maison for connoisseurs, profoundly attached to human values and enriched by expertise passed on across generations of master watchmakers and artisans.
Schmiedt highlighted that the the Master Artisans of the Manufacture Vacheron Constantin are artists by nature, endowed with the unique gift of creating emotions. Passed on from generation to generation, from Master to apprentice, their expertise has shaped a collective memory. This tradition, perpetuated by Vacheron Constantin since its founding in 1755, gives rise to authentic works of art representing exceptional combinations of artistic crafts, from the movement all the way through to the dial. Above and beyond the technical prowess they enshrine, these creations celebrate an artistic vision of time and tell of stories inspired by arts and cultures from around the world.
“What is today’s tradition is an innovation of the past. You have to constantly, continue to innovate and to reinvent yourself to assure the tradition of the future and that’s what has been Vacheron Constantin since 263 years. We have been always innovators. Innovators out of our heritage and one thing more that makes Vacheron Constantin a cut above the rest and unique is the exclusivity of the brand,” cited Schmiedt.
Through their understated elegance, Vacheron Constantin watches carry within them this identity forged from a subtle balance between technical expertise and aesthetic refinement, between tradition and innovation. They are born of rigorous discipline, humility and a desire for self-surpassing.
In November last year, Vacheron Constantin unveiled its new FIFTYSIX® collection in Kuwait, offering the keys to modern elegance and relaxed refinement. The collection has a cosmopolitan style that is both contemporary and historically inspired.
“Vacheron Constantin is heralding a new chapter in its history with its FIFTYSIX® collection. It represents an important new step as this original line, inspired by a historical Vacheron Constantin watch dating from 1956, instils a modern momentum capable of opening up the world of Fine Watchmaking to every enthusiasts,” pointed out Schmiedt.
FIFTYSIX®. A name and a date evoking an iconic model presented in 1956: the reference 6073. Through its typical design expressing the particularly abundant creativity displayed by Vacheron Constantin during that period, this timepiece is distinguished by its shapes – and notably its lugs, each representing a branch of the Maltese cross that has become an emblem of the Manufacture.
Schmiedt outlined that the originality of reference 6073, as indeed of all 1950s Vacheron Constantin models, also stems from the contrast between the classicism of its dial and the bold design of its case. A watch that already wove ties between respect for tradition and a taste for innovation.
The golden age of round timepieces, the 1950s represented the pinnacle of aesthetic refinement and remain an incomparable territory begging to be explored.
The lasting impact that the 6073 was to have on Vacheron Constantin’s history also stemmed from its stature as one of the first watches from the manufacturer to be equipped with a self-winding movement.
“The FIFTYSIX® collection is retro-contemporary style for an elegant masculine watch to be worn in any circumstance. It’s a modern interpretation of the iconic reference 6073, launched in 1956 and inspired by the Maltese cross. Its design and positioning are in tune with the current expectations of Fine Watchmaking connoisseurs. It has self-winding movements, simple or equipped with horological complications and with the new pink gold openworked oscillating weight featuring the Maltese cross emblem,” beamed Schmiedt as Vacheron Constantin is set to present more new exceptional timepieces this year to fine watchmaking connoisseurs in Kuwait and the Middle East region.