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WATCH NEWS
May 2, 2021
"Les Collectionneurs" Exhibition Held, Offering Restored Heritage Models for Purchase | VACHERON CONSTANTIN
VACHERON CONSTANTIN
An Opportunity to Appreciate Precious Vintage Watches: "Les Collectionneurs" Held at Vacheron Constantin Boutiques in Tokyo and Osaka
Vacheron Constantin will hold a traveling exhibition, "Les Collectionneurs," at its directly operated boutiques in Tokyo and Osaka, showcasing and selling restored rare timepieces selected from the brand's over 260-year history. The event runs from Friday, April 30, 2021, to Sunday, May 23, 2021, by appointment only.
Text by OZAKI Sayaka | Edit by TSUCHIDA Takashi
Relive the History of Vintage Watches
A selection of vintage watches from across the 20th century, meticulously chosen by experts from Vacheron Constantin's heritage department, will be presented. This collection, aptly named "Les Collectionneurs" (The Collectors), has been offered to passionate brand enthusiasts through special exhibition events held at Vacheron Constantin boutiques worldwide.
The aim of "Les Collectionneurs" is to create a comprehensive catalog of the iconic timepieces that Vacheron Constantin has produced over the years. The heritage department sources vintage watches through various channels, including auction houses and private collectors. After verifying their authenticity by cross-referencing with records of case and movement numbers spanning nearly a century and a half, the watches are restored to working order, preserving their original condition as much as possible, using either period-correct parts or components manufactured in-house using traditional methods. These meticulously revived timepieces are then presented to collectors as rare models within the "Les Collectionneurs" collection.
For Vacheron Constantin, the concept of vintage is akin to a second nature, representing a profound connection to the brand's heritage. As a manufacture that has continuously produced timepieces without interruption since its founding, it is capable of servicing and restoring every watch it has ever released. Examining over 1,500 watches from Vacheron Constantin's archives and private collections offers a unique opportunity to delve into its rich history and the methods by which it was forged. Christian Selmoni, Style and Heritage Director, states, "Les Collectionneurs embodies another facet of Vacheron Constantin. This collection perpetuates a precious link between the past and the present, allowing discerning enthusiasts and collectors to acquire restored vintage timepieces directly from the Maison, thus guaranteeing their authenticity. These events, showcasing these watches globally, captivate not only seasoned collectors but also younger generations eager to explore the deep history of watchmaking."
This exhibition will feature and offer for sale a chronograph wristwatch with a 30-minute counter in a stainless steel case with a two-tone silver dial, manufactured in 1943 (Ref. 10428), and a wristwatch in an 18K yellow gold case manufactured in 1942, featuring a vertical satin-finished silver dial with a black enamel "railway" minute track on the periphery (Ref. 10102). All models offered in "Les Collectionneurs" come with a certificate of authenticity and a two-year warranty.
Les Collectionneurs, Vacheron Constantin Boutique Ginza
- Address | 7-8-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Vacheron Constantin Ginza Boutique, 2nd Floor
- Dates | Friday, April 30, 2021 – Monday, May 10, 2021
- Hours | Weekdays 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Weekends and Holidays 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM (No regular holidays)
- Phone | 03-3569-1755
Les Collectionneurs, Vacheron Constantin Boutique Shinjuku Isetan
- Address | Isetan Shinjuku Main Building, 5th Floor, 3-14-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Dates | Thursday, May 13, 2021 – Sunday, May 16, 2021
- Hours | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (No regular holidays)
- Phone | 0120-63-1755
Les Collectionneurs, Vacheron Constantin Boutique Daimaru Shinsaibashi
- Address | Daimaru Shinsaibashi Main Building, 6th Floor, 1-7-1 Shinsaibashi-suji, Chuo-ku, Osaka
- Dates | Wednesday, May 19, 2021 – Sunday, May 23, 2021
- Hours | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (No regular holidays)
- Phone | 0120-63-1755
*Business hours may be changed or temporary closures may be implemented depending on the future situation. Please note that this exhibition event is by appointment only. If you wish to visit, please contact each boutique to make a reservation.