Floral Art Exhibition of Vacheron Constantin’s Private collection

Every 6 months, the famous watchmaking Vacheron Constantin, demonstrates astounding themed exhibitions. September 2012 became the time for hosting the Floral Art Exhibition of Vacheron Constantin’s Private collection in Shanghai. The famous watch brand decided to retrace the development of floral art from the very beginning of its existence. The exhibition has opened this summer and will be on till the end of the year.

Floral art has always inspired poets, musicians, painters, photographers, and watchmakers are no exception. There are 40 unique pieces chosen for this exhibition, which were all inspired by the charm of the flower and based on 3 most important watchmaking crafts: engraving, enamelling and stone-setting. Vacheron Constantin has always been strong at these techniques.

One of the best pieces from the exhibition is the pocket-watch Ref. 10718 which was created 25 years after the foundation of the Manufacturer. Its guilloché silver-toned dial is decorated with flower lines and intaglio engraving.

Another remarkable pocket-watch Ref. 11314 – silver timepiece in a floral pattern niello case. Its guilloché dial contains 12 Roman numerals. Each model presents one or more time-honoured techniques and brilliant decor.

There is one more worthy item, Vacheron Constantin Ref. 10187, which comes in 18K yellow gold. It’s an amazing brooch-watch with blue enamel dial, rose cut diamonds and golden external minute circle. The flowers of this watch are blooming as if they were just delivered from the garden of Eden.

The flowers used on Vaucheron Constantin timepieces reveal different techniques. Good example is the thistle enamel pattern cloisonné case of the 1905 pocket-watch (Ref. 10655). The watch demonstrates a silver dial with Arabic numerals (in 1906 it was exhibited at the International Exhibition in Milan).

When studying thoroughly the variety of men’s and ladies watches which successfully combine the aesthetic beauty and significant horological achievements, the natural affinity and the human eye become clearly evident. With this “Floral Art” exhibition Vacheron Constantin invites to wander through the flower-lined paths of fine watchmaking.