Peter Stas hosting a Master Class at the New York Institute of Technology

On Wednesay, December 2nd, Frederique Constant Founder and CEO Peter Stas was invited to host a Master Class at the New York Institute of Technology for the students — and next generation of business owners — on how to create a successful brand that is impermeable to the inevitable ups and downs of a global economy.

The event took place at NYIT’s brand new Broadway Theater where Mr. Stas was the first guest speaker. Over 200 students were in attendance, as well as select members of the press. The audience listened closely as Mr. Stas walked them through the history and growth of Frederique Constant, founded in 1988. Peter and Aletta Stas’ aim to produce luxurious watches with high quality Swiss-made movement at sensible prices remains at the heart of the brand and gives them a competitive edge in today’s market.

Questions and answers followed as well as three special prizes. NYIT’s Professional Enrichment program GAM had challenged students to design a Frederique Constant timepiece. NYIT student Christopher Engel won his very own Frederique Constant watch for best design. Two other students won their own watches in the raffle. Guests were treated to refreshments and hors d’oeuvres following the Master Class and a chance to meet Mr. Stas face-to-face.

IceLink 6Timezone Alarm Clocks

Successfully launched a few years ago, with its signature IceLink shape, the 6Timezone finds a new expression. The Alarm Clock with its six time zones and two alarms will find its place in your lifestyle as well as on the go.

The hour-markers of the two alarm dials and all the hands are illuminated with Superluminova which glow in the dark for ease of reading at night. The cities represented are: New York, Moscow, London, Tokyo, Geneva plus one local time zone.

The 6Timezone Alarm Clocks are available in steel with metallic black dials ($3,800), steel with MOP dials ($4,000) or black PVD with carbon dials ($4,200). Size: Height 105mm (4.25 inch) / Width 75mm (3 inch) / Depth 15mm (0.5 inch). The guarantee for the Alarm Clocks is like all the IceLink watches: 5 years. This represents an industry standard and shows the confidence in the brand and the products.

VACHERON CONSTANTIN Sale of Brando watch

New York, NY – 24th septembre, 2009 – For more than 250 years, the favorite timepiece of discerning royalty and celebrities alike has been Vacheron Constantin, as an object of stature, superiority, and pure elegance. In 1954, renowned actress Zsa Zsa Gabor chose a Vacheron Constantin timepiece as a special gift for actor Marlon Brando to commemorate the release of “On the Waterfront” for which Brando won an Oscar.

Its case back engraved “To Marlon Love Zsa Zsa June 24, 1954,” the timepiece sold at The Important Collectors’ Wristwatches, Pocket Watches & Clocks auction held by Antiquorum on September 17th in New York for six times its estimated value. The 18K yellow gold wristwatch sold for a final price of $18,000 to an unknown buyer.

Vacheron Constantin timepieces are hand-crafted works of mechanical wizardry that can take months – even years – to realize. With excellence evident in every aspect of these timepieces’ aesthetic design, Vacheron Constantin has distinguished itself as the timepiece of discerning distinction adored by today’s Hollywood royalty. As the world’s oldest watch manufacture, Vacheron Constantin and its timepieces have proven to be among the most sought-after items on the market, both as genuine masterpieces of horology and as value-generating investments.

About Vacheron Constantin

Established in Geneva in 1755, Vacheron Constantin is the world’s oldest continuous watch manufacture and a jewel in Geneva’s crown of high watchmakers, maintaining a seamless tradition of watchmaking excellence for 254 years. Held in high regard by watch collectors and enthusiasts alike, Vacheron Constantin’s strengths lie in its superlative technical mastery of highly complicated movement manufacturing, its award-winning aesthetic sensibility, and its extremely high level of finishing.

Frédérique Constant at the “ONLY WATCH 09” Charity Auction

Geneva – July 2009
It is with great honor and pleasure that we announce the participation of Swiss Watch Manufacturer Frédérique Constant in the “ONLY WATCH 09” Charity Auction, held in Monte-Carlo on Thursday, September 24th, 2009, under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Watch aficionados and representatives of the world’s most prestigious watch manufacturers gather to witness the third edition of this exceptional auction. All participating brands contributed to raise funds for research on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a serious genetic disease that affects one out of 3500 boys born, by donating a unique wristwatch for the event. This Charity Auction afforded to raise € 1,9 M in 2005 and € 2,7 M in 2007.

The 2009 Frédérique Constant’s contributing lot will be as unique and engaged as this Charity Auction: The Heart Beat Trilogy, for the first time assembled in a common luxurious jewel box, which includes a choice of different bracelet. This very feminine Heart Beat Trilogy intended for a very special woman, designed by women for women.

Each of the three watches in the Heart Beat Trilogy is special:
- A unique Heart Beat Manufacture Automatic Pavée, the most luxurious and sparkling ladies timepiece within our Heart Beat collection.
- A unique Double Heart Beat Chocolate Pavée, joined to the “International Children’s Heart Foundation”.
- And a unique Love Heart Beat, linked to “Paint a Smile” Foundation.

Before the Auction planned in Monaco on September 24th, the Heart Beat Trilogy will do a worldwide

Tour in different famous places, well-known from the watch lovers:

Preview exhibitions
Shanghai (Park Hyatt): 29 – 31 July
Geneva (Patrizzi & Co): 27 – 29 August
London (Asprey): 3 – 5 September
New York (Tourneau): 10 – 12 September
Milan (Pisa Orologeria): 17 – 18 September
Monaco Yacht Show: 23 – 24 September

Auction
Monaco (Yacht show) 24 September at 18.00

TW Steel partnered withLondon Jewelers to sponsor the annual Hamptons Golf Classic on June 29, 2009

Westhampton, NY (July 1, 2009) – TW Steel, the brand of oversized watches, partnered with top retailer London Jewelers to sponsor the annual Hamptons Golf Classic on June 29, 2009 at Hampton Hills Golf & Country Club in Westhampton, New York.

The hosts of this year’s Hamptons Golf Classic were Chris Duhon of the New York Knicks and Justin Tuck of the New York Giants, with Richie Notar of Nobu restaurant’s being the day’s special honoree. The event benefits Duhon’s Stand Tall Foundation, addressing the needs of children through recreation.

TW Steel and London Jewelers hosted a table in the Hampton Hills clubhouse with a selection of TW Steel’s most popular styles from London Jewelers available for order. The table remained a focal point for the 200 event attendees and received constant traffic throughout the day, even resulting in on-the-spot watch sales.

The brands also connected on-course via custom pin flags for each of the eighteen holes. A special highlight to the day was be the closest-to-pin contest at hole five, where the winning golfer was the recipient of one of TW Steel’s coveted TECH watches.

Zachary Udell (London Jewelers) and Scott Rosen (TW Steel/Tempus Group Corporation)

“London Jewelers has supported TW Steel since its U.S. launch last year, and we were thrilled to be able to partner with them at the Hamptons Golf Classic,” says Scott Rosen, of Tempus Group Corporation. Scott Rosen, and his partner, Jay Vullings, are the exclusive distributors of TW Steel in the United States.

The annual Hamptons Golf Classic provides a venue where Hamptons socialites, executives, and entertainment industry personalities can come together to support an important cause. Designed to benefit a great cause and create a fun competition with the spirit of the Hamptons, this charity event is entering its fifth year and has become one of the highlights of the summer season.

TW Steel, short for ‘The Watch in Steel’, is the leading worldwide brand in the market of oversized watches. Sophisticated designs and advanced technology are an integral part of the brand’s philosophy, and the large size of each watch form an essential part TW Steel’s identity. In addition to the newly launched CEO collection, the brand boasts four asset collections: Canteen, Grandeur, Tech, and Goliath, all which feature high quality steel cases and distinguished style, for under $1500. For more information, visit www.twsteel.com.

A Long Island legend for 83 years, London Jewelers offers the world’s foremost designers of fine jewelry, prestigious timepieces and fine giftware. From a dazzling selection of fine jewels to the most exquisite diamonds, the rarest of gemstones and the finest timepieces, London Jewelers is dedicated to the highest standards of excellence, innovation and quality in luxury jewelry and watches. For more information, visit www.londonjewelers.com.

Chris Duhon (New York Knicks) wearing TW Steel’s TECH watch & Jill Zarin (Bravo’s Real Housewives of New York) wearing TW Steel’s Canteen Style watch

Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph

In May 2009, Swiss luxury watch company Blancpain and Lamborghini Manhattan teamed up for a special unveiling of the Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce in New York.

An exclusive cocktail reception for 70 guests was held at the Blancpain Boutique at Madison Avenue, New York. Guests had the unique opportunity to “test drive” the 2009 Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph, a limited edition timepiece which celebrates the partnership between Blancpain and Lamborghini in the Super Trofeo race series. Directly in front of the Boutique, the Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce and LB715 Gallardo Spyder drew much attention from guests as well as passers by on prestigious Madison Avenue.

“The alliance between the world’s oldest watch brand and one of the most iconic car manufacturers has resulted in the creation of an exceptional automobile championship, the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo.” said Marc Junod, Blancpain USA Brand President. “As a crowning touch to this partnership, Blancpain is proud to introduce a new horological gem: the Super Trofeo Chronograph.”

Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce

About Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph

The Super Trofeo Flyback Chronograph displays state-of-the-art design and all the attributes of cutting-edge technology. The case, specifically designed for this prestigious line, is inspired by the sleek profil eof the Lamborghini Gallardo. Crafted in steel – the 43.5 mm diameter case that is water-resistant to 100 metres features alternating satin-brushed and polished surfaces. At this heart of this new sophisticated and performance oriented case, the Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph, lies its throbbing “engine”, Calibre F185. This mechanical self winding calibre is endowed with a 40-hour power reserve and comprises 308 parts. The unmistakable black dial is distinguished by two red and white 9 and 12 o’clock numerals stylised to evoke the numbers painted on the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 racing cars. Another exclusive feature of this exceptional model is its gold oscillating weight engraved with the inscription “Super Trofeo 2009”. The Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph is teamed with a strap in alcantara – like the seats in the Lamborghini Gallardo – secured by a steel folding clasp. The Blancpain Super Trofeo Chronograph comes in a presentation box inspired by the taut, opulent lines of the ultra-dynamic Gallardo.

Marc Junod (Blancpain USA Brand President) and John Kaufman (General Manager of Manhattan Motorcars)

Juan-Carlos Torres and Monique Barbier-Mueller

Vacheron Constantin organized an exceptional evening event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art of New York as part of the inauguration of “African and Oceanic Art from the Barbier-Mueller Museum, Geneva: a Legacy of Collecting”, an exhibition dedicated to the masterpieces from the Barbier-Mueller family collection and supported by Vacheron Constantin.

On this auspicious occasion (a first in the history of the New York museum),leading watchmakers – Vacheron Constantin – hosted 250 guests for a dinner in the splendid Temple of Dendur set beneath the museum’s huge glass roof looking out onto Central Park.

The evening saw a world-first presentation of the 4 latest “Métiers d’Art Les Masques” creations, timepieces celebrating horological expertise and the tradition of Métiers d’art (artistic crafts) faithfully cultivated for over 250 years by the world’s oldest watch Manufacture.

A partner of the Barbier-Mueller museum since 2007, Vacheron Constantin held an exceptional soirée at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art, coinciding with the official inauguration of “African and Oceanic Art from the Barbier-Mueller Museum, Geneva: a Legacy of Collecting” – an exhibition dedicated to masterpieces from the family collection and supported by the Geneva-based brand.

This unique event was graced by the presence of Monique Barbier-Mueller and Juan-Carlos Torres, CEO of Vacheron Constantin, along with Marc Guten, International Director of Vacheron Constantin, Hugues de Pins, President of Vacheron Constantin North America, and Laurence Mattet, Director of the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Geneva.

250 guests – comprising customers, collectors, art connoisseurs and friends of Vacheron Constantin – were hosted in New York’s largest museum and one of the most important in the world in terms of both its size and the quality of its collections.

During this evening, guests enjoyed a preview of the Barbier-Mueller Museum exhibition (on show in the MET through September 27th 2009). After that, inside the spectacular Temple of Dendur Room beneath the huge glass roof looking out onto Central Park, they were able to admire an exhibition of exceptional historical watches from the Vacheron Constantin heritage, as well as the two first boxed sets of “Métiers d’Art Les Masques” timepieces on show alongside the original masks of the Barbier-Mueller Museum. This display was further enhanced by a demonstration of artistic watchmaking crafts, and in particular those of Master Engraver and Master Watchmaker.

Performers from the Julliard School

The highlight of the dinner was a dance performance by artists from the famous Juilliard School (featuring a sound and light choreography evoking the four continents from which the “Métiers d’Art Les Masques” creations). This was followed by the world-first presentation of the third and last set of four “Métiers d’Art Les Masques” timepieces – a collection celebrating the horological expertise and the tradition of artistic watchmaking crafts cherished by the watch brand.

This eventful evening set the crowning touch to the “Métiers d’Art Les Masques” collection, paying tribute to the Barbier-Mueller family, as well as to human intelligence and dexterity, while once again testifying to Vacheron Constantin’s deep-felt attachment to art and culture, travel and discovery.

About the Vacheron Constantin “Métiers d’Art Les Masques” collection

Unveiled for the very first time at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in 2007, the Vacheron Constantin “Métiers d’Art Les Masques” collection depicts the artistic crafts cultivated by the Geneva-based watch manufacture, and in particular that of Master Engraver.

Each model features an authentic mask reproduced and miniaturized on a watch dial. The original masks that inspired this collection all stem from the private collection of the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Geneva, the world’s largest private collection of primitive art. Three series – one per year, in a limited edition of 25 each – have thus been presented in boxed sets of four creations representing four different masks from 4 distinct regions of the world: Asia, the Americas, Oceania and Africa.

Vacheron Constantin at the MET

Each timepiece in this collection is equipped with the self-winding Vacheron Constantin Calibre 2460G and bears the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva. This movement enables hand-free read-off of the time. Driven by a complex set of wheels and gears, four discs appear through dedicated hour, minute, day and date apertures, thereby freeing up the dial centre for the artisans to give free rein to their creativity as expressed through the masks.

A world-first viewing of the third and last boxed set of four timepieces was presented at the Metropolitan Musem of Art. The four masks reproduced and miniaturized in these watches are inspired by originals from Indonesia, the Tibet region, Mexico and the Gabon.

Vacheron Constantin was founded in Geneva, Switzerland in 1755 and is the oldest watch manufacturer in the world with an uninterrupted history spanning more than 250 years.  Like their predecessors who laid the foundations for the spirit of technical and precious Haute Horlogerie, the men and women of Vacheron Constantin continue designing, developing and producing in Geneva a range of exceptional timepieces remain unwaveringly faithful to the three brand fundamentals:  fully mastered technique, harmonious and inspired aesthetics, and exquisite finishing.

Vacheron Constantin Executives & Barbier-Mueller Family

Vacheron Constantin and the Barbier-Mueller Museum

Geneva’s old town is home to one of the world’s oldest and richest private collections of Primitive Art: that of the Barbier-Mueller Museum, initiated in the 1920s by Josef Mueller and perpetuated ever since by his daughter Monique and her husband Jean Paul Barbier-Mueller. In 1977, three months after the death of Josef Mueller, the couple opened the first museum bearing their name in Geneva. In 1997, the Museu Barbier-Mueller Precolombi was established in Barcelona.

It was in 2007, marking the 100th anniversary of the family collection, that Vacheron Constantin became an official partner of the Barbier-Mueller Museum in Geneva. That milestone year was also the 30th anniversary of the original museum and the 10th anniversary of its counterpart in Barcelona.

Since then, through successive events at the National Palace Museum in Taipei in Taiwan, the Jacquemart-André Museum in Paris, and now in New York in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the two Geneva-based ‘institutions’ have cultivated an ongoing partnership and close affinities testifying to their shared dedication to cultural diversity and to a consistently pioneering spirit.

Geneva, June 10th 2009.

THE OMEGA SPEEDMASTER PROFESSIONAL MOONWATCH APOLLO 11 “40TH ANNIVERSARY” LIMITED EDITION

Two OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Apollo 11 “40th Anniversary” Limited Edition watches celebrate the adventure: one in stainless steel and sterling silver (7,969 pieces); the other in platinum and 18 Ct yellow gold (69 pieces).

The stainless steel Limited Edition

The distinctive timepieces are powered by OMEGA’s calibre 1861, which shares its lineage with the calibre 321 used in the original Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch. The stainless steel casebody is delivered with a stainless steel bracelet which has been upgraded to include OMEGA’s patented screw and pin system.

The black dial also recalls that of the Moon Watch but has some key differences. The small seconds counter (sub-dial) is a medallion which features an adaptation of Apollo 11’s famous mission patch: an eagle descends to the lunar surface with an olive branch representing peace in its claws. In the distance, far above the horizon, the earth is visible. The patch, interestingly, was designed by Michael Collins who remained in the Apollo 11 capsule as Command Module Pilot while his colleagues Armstrong and Aldrin were in the Lunar Module and on the moon.

The watch’s hour, minute and the red-tipped chronograph seconds hands are coated with Super-LumiNova. The minute and hour chronograph counter hands are white and there is a brushed, rhodium-plated small seconds hand in attractive relief to the slightly recessed medallion on the counter.

THE OMEGA SPEEDMASTER PROFESSIONAL MOONWATCH APOLLO 11 “40TH ANNIVERSARY” LIMITED EDITION

One small step

Below the words “OMEGA Speedmaster PROFESSIONAL” on the dial, the legend 02:56 GMT – the exact time that Neil Armstrong made his “one small step” onto the moon – is displayed in red.

The 40th Anniversary Limited Edition’s dial is protected by Hesalite, the same robust, shatter-proof acrylic crystal found on the original Moon Watch. Hesalite is ideally suited for use in space – there is no chance that it can break apart and send potentially dangerous fragments into the low-gravity environment. A small, distinctive OMEGA logo has been etched evocatively inside the Hesalite crystal.

The Apollo 11 “Eagle” mission patch is stamped on the caseback along with the words, “THE FIRST WATCH WORN ON THE MOON”, the limited edition number (0000/7969), and “July 21, 1969”, the date Armstrong and Aldrin first stepped onto the moon’s surface at 02:56, the time which is printed on the dial.

The OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Apollo 11 “40th Anniversary” Limited Edition is delivered in a black presentation box which also includes a 42 mm sterling silver medal (the same diameter as the watch) featuring an engraving of the mission patch on one side with the words “APOLLO 11, 40th ANNIVERSARY”. On the reverse side, the medal is engraved, “THE EAGLE HAS LANDED”; “LAUNCHED JULY 16 1969”; “LANDED JULY 20, 1969”; and “RETURNED, JULY 24, 1969” along with OMEGA’s name and logo. Also in the presentation box is a certificate of authenticity and an envelope containing a black polishing cloth printed with information commemorating the historic space flight.

The platinum Limited Edition

A very limited release with unlimited luxury
A platinum version of the OMEGA Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Apollo 11 “40th Anniversary” watch is also being released in an edition limited to 69 pieces. The casebody and screw and pin bracelet are made of platinum and the medallion on the small seconds counter is made of 18 Ct yellow gold as is the small seconds hand. The hour and minute hands as well as the 30 minute and 12 hour counter hands are made of platinum.

This elegant version of the watch is also delivered with a 42 mm 18 Ct yellow gold medal, in a limited and numbered edition, with the mission patch engraved on one side along with the words “APOLLO 11, 40th ANNIVERSARY”. As with the sterling silver medal included with the stainless steel watch, the reverse side features the engraved legend: “THE EAGLE HAS LANDED”; “LAUNCHED JULY 16 1969”; “LANDED JULY 20, 1969”; and “RETURNED, JULY 24, 1969” along with OMEGA’s name and logo.

The caseback features the mission patch in 18 Ct gold with the words “Apollo 11 40th Anniversary”. Around the platinum outer ring of the caseback appear the words, “The first Watch Worn on the Moon”, “PT950” – a reference to the watch’s platinum content, and “July 21, 1969”, the date that Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin stepped onto the lunar surface.

Like the stainless steel watch, the platinum version of the Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Apollo 11 “40th Anniversary” features the shatterproof Hesalite crystal and the OMEGA calibre 1861 movement.

A subtle reminder on the small medallion on the dial indicates just how special this watch is: the limited edition number (00/69) is engraved at the base of the small mission patch on the dial.

The platinum Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch Apollo 11 “40th Anniversary” Limited Edition are delivered in a striking wooden case with elegant ornamental marquetry. The limited edition number (00/69) is embossed on the top cover of the case along with the Apollo 11 mission patch. The steel feet are engraved with “1969”, the year the Apollo 11 mission took place and “2009”, the year the world commemorated its 40th anniversary and the year the watch was produced. The case also includes a certificate of authenticity.

These exquisite timepieces will initially be available exclusively at the OMEGA Boutique on Fifth Avenue in New York City when it opens later this year.

The long time relationship of Omega and NASA

OMEGA’s historic role

Centuries from now, historians will continue to look back in wonder at the Apollo 11 mission. For the first time ever, human beings had left Earth, walked on another celestial body, and returned safely home. OMEGA will always be proud of the role it played in the greatest scientific adventure of all time.

Polo player Nacho Figueras and Prince Harry attend the 2009 Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic on Governors Island on May 30, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Jason Kempin/WireImage)

It was a polo milestone and the social event of the summer when HRH Prince Henry of Wales and polo poster boy Nacho Figueras battled it out for the title and Piaget’s Polo FortyFive timepiece at the 2nd annual Veuve Clicquot Manhattan Polo Classic. Larry Boland, President of Piaget North America, presented the winner, Team Sentebale, with the Swiss luxury watch firm’s newest timepiece, the Piaget Polo FortyFive. Crafted in titanium and stainless steel with an injected-molded rubber strap, the Piaget Polo FortyFive embodies the ultimate in sophisticated, sporty chic.

As the official timekeeper of the match, Piaget was honored to support American Friends of Sentebale and show its dedication and longstanding commitment to the sport of polo. “We were thrilled to be a part of New York’s most prestigious polo event and hopefully added a little excitement to the competition with the new Piaget Polo FortyFive,” stated Boland.

2009 VEUVE CLICQUOT Manhattan Polo Classic Featuring PRINCE HARRY and NACHO FIGUERAS Benefiting American Friends of Sentebale, © Patrick McMullan

The impressive list of attendees at the event included notables, Madonna, Kate Hudson, LL Cool J, Chloe Sevigny, designers Marc Jacobs and Donna Karan, and supermodel Alek Wek, who all came out to show their support and enjoy an afternoon of sparkling champagne, sport and sun along with a crowd of New York’s finest influencers and tastemakers.

VEUVE CLICQUOT Manhattan Polo Classic Featuring PRINCE HARRY and NACHO FIGUERAS Benefiting American Friends of Sentebale Governor's Island, NYC, May 30, 2009, © Patrick McMullan

Piaget Polo Fortyfive

Vacheron Constantin Les Masques - 2009 models

Four years ago, in 2005, Vacheron Constantin celebrated 250 years of uninterrupted history. This jubilee event, unique in the annals of watchmaking history, was a perfect opportunity for the Geneva-based manufacture to demonstrate its mastery of horological art with exploits that redefined the limits of what is possible. Having proudly turned to its past, Vacheron Constantin is continuing its steady march towards the future, in an ongoing quest for the extraordinary. To create, astound and enchant, these are the challenges for the years to come.

Watchmaking is an art requiring fresh starts and continual improvement. How else can one go on creating surprises? Thanks in particular to one of its founders, François Constantin, the manufacture’s name and reputation are synonymous with distant horizons. An accomplished ambassador and tireless traveller, he crisscrossed the world in the hazardous conditions of the times to spread the company’s watchmaking expertise on other continents. By 1820, he was already exploring opportunities in China and, in 1833, the first Vacheron & Constantin watches were crossing the Atlantic. The company had realised very early on the necessity of gaining a foothold in the New World and opened a subsidiary in New York before going on to open one in Brazil around 1840, and another in India ten years later. Can a timepiece serve as a cultural bridge between nations? Both the company’s founders believed so. In 2007, the manufacture felt the need to go back to basics, paying homage to man when he verges on the sublime. It was a long journey, taking its watchmakers through time and space in search of man’s roots and focussing on one of the most beautiful expressions of his soul.

Mask from Indonesia

Three years
Twelve Masks
Three hundred exceptional timepieces

What would be the best subject to subtly evoke the human experience? The manufacture’s master watchmakers and designers considered several possibilities. As it turned out, the choice of masks was an obvious one, for Geneva is extremely fortunate in having one of the world’s finest museums of primitive art, the Barbier-Mueller Museum. Its proximity guided Vacheron Constantin in its final choice. The Métiers d’Art “Les Masques” collection, therefore, grew out of a reflection on the near and far, the past, present and future, and the process of constant renewal.

But one obstacle remained: to win over the museum. Would it be willing to lend its treasures for months on end so that they could be reproduced on the dial of a collector’s watch? In the end, two things convinced Jean Paul Barbier-Mueller of the project’s beauty and significance: a lunch during which he and the Vacheron Constantin team headed by Juan-Carlos Torres were able to share their common passion for beautiful objects, and the manufacture’s philosophy.

The rest was a matter of horological magic and the commitment of a team to surpass the limits of possibility. Twelve masks were selected from the Barbier-Mueller collection for small-scale reproduction in gold. They repose majestically at the centre of each timepiece in a collection that spans two thousand years and four continents.

Because Vacheron Constantin understands the value of time, it respected the time needed to create such exceptional pieces. Long months were required first of all to perfect the movement, and then the techniques with which the master craftsmen could reproduce these works of art in miniature. There had to be plenty of time for questioning, reflection and invention.

A collection cannot be hurried. That is why the Métiers d’Art “Les Masques” collection is a story that has unfurled over time. Every year for three years – 2007 to 2009 – a boxed set of four different masks has been presented in a limited series of 25.

A complete set of the twelve timepieces reproducing the twelve masks – from the limited edition of 300 exceptional timepieces – is being unveiled at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York at an exhibition sponsored by Vacheron Constantin and called “A Legacy of Collecting: African and Oceanic Art from the Barbier-Mueller Museum, Geneva” in tribute to Jean Paul Barbier-Mueller.

Preparing the Gabon mask

A work of Art in miniature

Each timepiece is equipped with the automatic Calibre 2460G4 movement, made by the manufacture and bearing the prestigious Poinçon de Genève. Thanks to this very special movement, the time can be read without any hands: by means of a set of wheels and gears, four discs indicate the hours, minutes, day and date in windows, leaving the centre of the dial empty for the masks to be placed there and for the craftsmen to give free rein to their creativity.

The movement was completely redesigned to receive the masks; even though time is the raison d’être here, the masks are the focus of attention and had to be put in the spotlight. To ensure that they were, the team of designers decided to virtually conceal the movement. A clever technique using transparency and specially-treated glass creates the impression that the masks are floating. Each sapphire crystal has a different tint, obtained by a unique metallisation process, so that it sets off the colour of the mask. The effect is breathtaking: the miniature sculpture seems within reach, a silent guardian of ancestral secrets.

Michel Butor's short poem on the African mask model

Finally, it required all Michel Butor’s talent to give voice, if not life, to the masks. His magnificent words, short poems in prose dedicated to each mask, circle the sapphire dial in letters of gold. The writer’s lines follow each other in a spiral that seems to have no beginning and no end, a mysterious message that can only be read when the light strikes it from a certain angle. This effect is achieved by vacuum metallisation, a sophisticated technological process in which the gold letters are sprayed onto a sapphire crystal. Thanks to the multiple play of light and transparency, the watch has secrets that it will only ever share with its owner.