Manufacture
AnthonyTsai's report from Vacheron Constantin's 2008 Métiers d'Art exhibition in Beverly Hills offers a rare glimpse into the artisanal crafts that define haute horlogerie. His detailed account and extensive photography provide invaluable insight into the traditional techniques Vacheron Constantin employs, making this a foundational resource for understanding the brand's dedication to craftsmanship. This retrospective highlights the enduring relevance of these skills in luxury watchmaking.
Vacheron Constantin opened up its Métiers d'Art "The master craftsmen of time" interactive watchmaking exhibition on Wed February 27, 2008 at Sotheby's in Beverly Hills. I felt very lucky to be invited to this amazing exhibit, and I also had the opportunity to view the Masks Collection.
For those who are interested in viewing this exhibit, it is open to the general public on Wed February 27 through Saturday March 1, 2008 from 10am to 4pm at Sotheby's on 9665 Wilshire Blvd in Beverly Hills. And in conjuction with this exhibition, the Vacheron "The Masks" collection and the original masks itself from the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Geneva will be exhibited at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Royal Suite and can be viewed by appointment by calling (877) 862-7555.
The basic message of this exhibit is to spread the word of Vacheron's use of traditional watchmaking crafts such as enameling, guillochage, master-watchmaking, engraving, and decoration in both historic and modern watches.
I will do my best to take those who are unable to attend the exhibition on a virtual tour of this great exhibition.
Cheers,
Anthony
PS. You may click on any of the pictures for a LARGER DETAILED picture 
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Below are some wall decorations in the exhibition at Sotheby's.
And here are some general pictures of the exhibition hall
I was there from 630-645ish. Went back over to the hotel but the suite was completely empty.
Here's master watchmaker Mikael Conus assembling a tourbillon. At the age of 14, he began watchmaking school and finished at 18 yrs old; and since then, has been in the watchmaker profession for 10 years already. You wouldn't know he's already been doing watchmaking for over 10 years because he still looks so young! Look at those steady hands! And here are a couple more random shots of Mikael in action and movement parts on his workbench. Did you know it takes Mikael approximately 3 hours to dis
Here's me on the right looking through the microscope watching master enameler Jean Genbrugge apply some blue enamel on a dial. He's been an enameler for 30 years. On the very left is Lucie Misselyn who is still learning enameling for 1.5 years, and both Jean and Lucie are from Belgium. My hand are trembling! I'm not used to the hand coordination in conjunction with viewing through the microscope It took me a little while to get used to the hand coordination, and it was a blast applying some blu
Sems that you had a big time, and that you saw some marvellous pieces... Now, I know where to complain if I have an issue with my enamel dial! LOL Best. nicolas
Here's master engraver Jeanne Ulrich who has been engraving for 7 years, and she says it takes around a week to engrave an entire movement. Here's a monogram engraving. Here's a video clip of Jeanne in action! This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2008-02-28 08:49:32
Master guillocheur Supachai Wattanakanokthan demonstrates how to use the guilloche turning machine, and he's been guilloche'ing for 16 years! I noticed that his name sewed onto his white lab coat only had part of his last name, and he chuckled that his Thai name is so long that the space where his name is sewed onto his white lab coat is too short. Just something silly I remembered :P With your right hand, you push in to move the blade inward to the dial, and with your left hand, you turn a whee
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