Established in 1755, Vacheron Constantin is the world’s oldest watch Manufacture in continuous operation for 270 years. Through generations of master craftsmen, the Maison has upheld a legacy of watchmaking excellence and artistic sophistication. To commemorate this milestone, Vacheron Constantin presents ‘The Quest: 270 Years of Seeking Excellence,’ an immersive exhibition debuting in Abu Dhabi from February 21 to April 15, 2025.
This extraordinary experience delves into the world of High Watchmaking, offering a journey through 270 years of innovation, craftsmanship, and heritage. The exhibition invites visitors to explore Vacheron Constantin’s past, present, and future, celebrating the values that have shaped the Maison since its inception. Designed to tour globally throughout 2025, ‘The Quest’ launches in Abu Dhabi, reinforcing the city’s status as a premier luxury destination. Set against the stunning backdrop of Al Qana, the exhibition will be open to the public from February 21 to April 15, 2025.
Honoring both its own legacy and the cultural richness of the region, Vacheron Constantin will present a unique experience infused with local design, traditions, and flavors. The exhibition will unveil an exclusive timepiece featuring Abu Dhabi’s celestial sky chart and introduce the first-ever Vacheron Constantin Majlis. Visitors can also participate in workshops and panel discussions, offering deeper insights into the artistry behind the Maison’s craftsmanship.
Special programs during Ramadan will celebrate the Holy Month, blending artistry with heritage. Additionally, for the first time, the latest Watches & Wonders novelties will be revealed simultaneously with the Geneva Fair on April 1, adding a new dimension to the exhibition.
‘The Quest’ invites watch enthusiasts and newcomers alike to explore 270 years of horological excellence. The exhibition showcases timepieces, calibres, components, and watchmaking tools, highlighting groundbreaking innovations and historical achievements. Visitors will witness the Maison’s pursuit of balancing technical ingenuity with artistic vision and fine craftsmanship.
Vacheron Constantin’s motto since 1819, "Do better if possible, and that is always possible," serves as the foundation of ‘The Quest: 270 Years of Seeking Excellence.’ The exhibition is structured around key themes, including The Beginning, Artistic Crafts and Finishes, High Watchmaking and Grand Complications, Openness to the World, Cultural Partnerships, and The Quest.
The exhibition’s first chapter explores the roots of Vacheron Constantin’s pursuit of excellence. Through historical documents, photographs, artifacts, and timepieces, visitors will journey through the Maison’s extensive archives, including a facsimile of its founding act. Highlights include key milestones such as the invention of the pantograph in 1839, which revolutionized component standardization, and the creation of the Kallista in 1979, a masterpiece carved from a one-kilo gold ingot and set with 118 diamonds totaling 130 carats
This Artistic Crafts and Finishing section pays tribute to the highly skilled artisans behind Vacheron Constantin’s masterpieces. An immersive display showcases time-honored techniques such as engraving, enameling, gem-setting, and guilloché, all of which remain integral to the Maison’s expertise today.
Meanwhile, the High Watchmaking part of the exhibition is dedicated to the art of complications, this section offers an in-depth look at some of Vacheron Constantin’s most intricate movements. Interactive displays allow visitors to examine complex mechanisms up close. The exhibition also features an exclusive unveiling of Les Cabinotiers The Berkley Grand Complication, the most intricate timepiece ever created, boasting 2,877 components and 63 horological complications, including the world’s first Chinese perpetual calendar.
The final chapter named The Quest celebrates the connection between astronomy and horology. Beneath a stunning celestial display, visitors can explore the intimate relationship between time and the cosmos, even creating a personalized star chart from any date and location. At the heart of this space is the Celestia Astronomical Grand Complication, revealed for the first time in Abu Dhabi. Featuring 23 complications, including a patented running equation of time and a three-week power reserve, this masterpiece honors the region’s tradition of celestial navigation.
To conclude the experience, Vacheron Constantin introduces its first-ever Majlis, reinterpreting this emblem of Middle Eastern hospitality. A gathering space for collectors, watch enthusiasts, and guests, the Majlis showcases local artistry in collaboration with Tashkeel and features culinary offerings curated by Emirati chef Mariam Al Mansoori.
‘The Quest’ exhibition will be open to the public from February 21 to April 15, 2025. Visitors can personalize their journey through an exclusive online platform, allowing them to explore exhibits, attend workshops, and participate in special events for a truly unforgettable experience. You can book your visit here.
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