Few months ago, I was enough lucky to penetrate in Heaven ... the Vacheron Constantin Manufacture in Plan les Ouates ...
The architecture of the Manufacture reflect the spirit of Vacheron Constantin: luminous, modern but with reminders to the traditions!
our beloved Alex
The visit starts with the finishes workshop, look at the dexterity of the watchmakers, all experts in their field!
This lady is endorsing the certificate of authenticity / Geneva Seal certificate for VC
The second step of the visit was the Métiers d'Art workshops ... but for me, it's was more than simple workshops, there are ideas laboratory!!! In addition of the "classic" Métier d'Art collection pieces, we can discover a huge selection of unique and never seen dials/colors of enamel etc.Each craftsman is working to improve his Art!
Here the windoww dedicated to engraving ...
... gems setting ...
... engraving again ...
... enameling ...
Here a huge panel of enamel work ... the Master enamlist is testing new colors and color shades ... some colors are just outstanding!!! Hope we will find them on a future VC!!!
... the beginning: looks like a small piece of fabric/cotton ...
... and after many steps, the small piece become a glossy and shiny piece!! WOW!
Now, take a look at few engraving works ... many are unknow to me
Miiiiam!!! Skeletoooons ... the finishes are just so beautiful!!
An to finish with the Métier d'Art workshops, this man show us the art of setting diamonds ...
... each diamond have a tailor made cut to be perfectly set in the case!!
Do you recognize these dials? ...
... they belong to the Dragons LE for the Hong Kong VC boutique ...
.. the guilloché work is trully amazing and irresistibly attracts
eyes!!!
Now, turn to the assembling workshop!
... here, you can see the perfect mix between tradition and modernity!!
Look carefuly at the table of the watchmaker, many calibers are inside
the table ...
... and arrive at the chain to the watchmaker who manually assembles the
pieces!
And to fish the manufacture visit, the Grande Complication
workshop, or Lego Land for the children we are
Here a minute-repeater mechanism ...
... the Minute Repeater DIY Kit!!!
And the Tourbillon DIY Kit
... Obviously, there are many other workshops we could not visit, but
each of these workshops contribute to the success of VC!!
The visit of VC Manufacture was an unforgettable and very
instructive experience!! Thank you again Alex and all the VC Team for
your always warm welcome!!!! ;-)