If you happen to be in the region, do pop by the National Museum of Singapore to have a look at the ongoing “Treasures of Vacheron Constantin”, a gorgeous collection of exceptional timepieces spanning 256 years of the venerated Swss watchmaker’s horological acumen.

Designed to give visitors an initiation into the world of watchmaking artisans, which in the case of the venerable Vacheron Constantin stretches in an unbroken line back to the founder, Jean-Marc Vacheron, early birds will get to meet and greet six of the manufacture‘s artisans. An engraver, a gem-setter, a guillocheur, an enameller and a watchmaker have taken time off (no pun intended) their schedule to testify to their inherited watchmaking know-how, and demonstrate with their tools the intrinsic value that the human hand confers on each timepiece. 

A word of caution, though: the craftspeople will only be in Singapore till the end of this week so budding horology enthusiasts should hurry down, pronto. 

Above: a lady’s gem-set wristwatch on display at the exhibition, in platinum, emerald, brilliant-cut diamonds and a silvered
dial

The watch exhibit itself begins in a section devoted to the workshops of an 18th century cabinotier. A faithful simulation of the Maison du Quai de l’Ile, the workshop tells the story of Jean-Marc Vacheron’s creation of his first pocket watches in the 1750s. The major horological crafts are further illustrated by other precious timepieces, such as the Haute Complication pocket watch made in 1929 for King Fouad I, an engineering and aesthetic wonder with a 46-jewel mechanical movement that includes a split-second chronograph and other technical feats. Other highlights of the exhibit include a section dedicated to the Metiers d’Art, with the exquisite beauty of watch cases and dials being the province of the finest engravers, guillocheurs, enamellers and gem-setters.

Commenting on Vacheron Constantin’s first major exhibition, CEO Juan Carlos Torres said: “This marks the start of a long cultural journey, a mission to relate our rich history which echoes that of haute horlogerie. This is also a history of a remarkable demonstration of collaborative work, each watch resulting from a symbiosis of talents and the encounter between men and women sharing their savoir-faire to achieve a common goal. It is our duty to commit to passing on this human legacy.” The exhibition runs from June 24 to August 14. 

This 1824 pocket watch is finished in yellow gold, enamel, a silver dial
and comes with a Champlevé enamelled case

Formerly in the collection of
Sir Bhupindra Singh, Maharajah of Patiala, this slim lady’s wristwatch comes in platinum, with brilliant-cut diamonds and a silvered dial

Vacheron Constantin