A partnership to safeguard and pass on knowledge and expertise
The recent collaboration between Vacheron Constantin and The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), a renowned art museum established in 1870, stems from a steadfast dedication to preserving and sharing knowledge and craftsmanship. This partnership exemplifies the Maison’s deep connection to the realm of art and culture, which has consistently fueled its imagination and creativity. The forthcoming educational endeavors to be developed under this partnership will vividly illustrate this commitment.
Perpetually learning
As Euripides once noted, “None of us knows what we all know together.” Even in the era of Euripides, the act of sharing knowledge and preserving it for future generations held immense significance. The same principle applies to Vacheron Constantin, whose inception traces back to an apprenticeship contract signed by Jean-Marc Vacheron on September 17, 1755. This historic document, marking the earliest reference to the Vacheron watchmaking legacy, bound the Maison’s founder to impart his craft to a young apprentice over a span of five years. The transmission of knowledge has remained at the heart of the Manufacture’s endeavors, with approximately 40 distinct skills heavily reliant on the artistry and techniques honed by preceding generations. These skills have been consistently reimagined, adapted, and refined over the decades.
In both the present day and throughout its history, Vacheron Constantin remains steadfast in its commitment to incorporate apprentices into its production process and provide dedicated care to its artisans and watchmakers. These individuals are acutely aware of the profound wisdom that underpins the skills of their predecessors, ensuring that the essence of what makes a Vacheron Constantin timepiece exceptional is never forgotten. Whether featured in the Maison’s official catalog or bearing the prestigious Les Cabinotiers emblem, signifying exceptional one-of-a-kind creations, each model is the culmination of over two and a half centuries of accumulated knowledge and tradition. This legacy is perpetuated through a dynamic blend of creativity and innovation, an ongoing effort to enhance the reservoir of expertise that has been cultivated over time. For Louis Ferla, CEO of Vacheron Constantin, “the quest for excellence is a constant challenge in which we never stop learning.”
Mentoring programs
As the Maison’s CEO Louis Ferla explains: “Establishing a partnership with the prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art enables us to highlight our shared vocation for transmitting knowledge and preserving the arts. Vacheron Constantin’s commitment to art and culture has always been an inexhaustible source of inspiration, permeating our freedom to create and express beauty in all our watches. The Maison’s ties with the United States and New York date back more than two centuries, with many of our finest creations having been made for American collectors and clients, such as the iconic American 1921. This partnership with The Met confirms our cultural and artistic attachment to this country, as well as our concern to preserve its expertise.”
With a strong commitment to these principles, Vacheron Constantin has launched its “One of Not Many Mentorship Program” in collaboration with individuals whose character and work embody the relentless pursuit of excellence, a global outlook, and the spirit of innovation and creativity that defines Vacheron Constantin itself. This approach is vividly demonstrated through partnerships such as the one with Abbey Road Studios, where young musicians can receive guidance from music production experts and the support of internationally acclaimed musician and artistic director Woodkid. Another instance is the collaboration with CHAN Chun Wai, the principal dancer of the New York City Ballet, who imparts his artistry to promising young talents.
Similarly, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) is deeply committed to mentorship and educational initiatives aimed at making art accessible to all, regardless of background, ability, age, or experience. The Met’s Education Department organizes an extensive array of educational events and programs throughout the year, numbering over 29,000. These offerings encompass workshops, art creation experiences, specialized tours, fellowships supporting advanced scholarship and research, internships at high school and college levels to foster career inclusivity and diversity, access programs designed for visitors with disabilities, K-12 educator programs that train teachers in integrating art across various curricula, as well as school tours and initiatives fostering profound learning experiences and enduring connections through the medium of art.
Centuries-old links
Max Hollein, The Met’s Marina Kellen French Director and CEO, said: “We are delighted to partner with Vacheron Constantin and are grateful for their support of The Met’s mission, which aligns with the esteemed watchmaker’s own longstanding efforts to celebrate creativity and preserve artistic traditions. We look forward to collaborating on a number of unique projects that build on our mutual commitment to education and the arts.”
Vacheron Constantin takes immense pleasure in sharing these values with a distinguished institution on American soil. Historically, the Maison’s ties with the United States date back to 1811 when Vacheron Constantin established its initial connection with a merchant engaged in transatlantic trade. This relationship eventually led to a presence in New York in 1832, with gradual expansion to represent Vacheron Constantin watches across numerous states in the country. Notably, the Maison supplied watches specially designed for the US Army Corps of Engineers in 1918 and crafted one of the most prestigious timepieces in horological history for its esteemed American client, James Ward Packard. These instances serve as testament to the Maison’s profound connection with the United States, a connection that has now taken on fresh artistic and cultural dimensions through the partnership with The Met. This collaboration heralds a dynamic exchange of knowledge through joint creative ventures.
The partnership will provide support for a range of The Met’s mission-driven initiatives, encompassing an artist-in-residency program, educational endeavors, special events, and the creation of exceptional timepieces by Vacheron Constantin, inspired by artworks from The Met’s illustrious collection.
For more information, please visit www.Vacheron-Constantin.com.