Vacheron Constantin

Visit report

 

I've visited the exhibition last week. The exhibition is on reservation. VC insist on a very personnal guided tour. They want to share informations with visitors. Jerome Meier is the host. The actual exhibition will be probably extend over 31 Aug. Usually, there are 2 exhibitions per year. Each time based on a special theme. The exhibitions are held on the first floor of VC historical building located at "Quai de l'île 7". On the ground floor, there is a boutique. There is also a second boutique a few hundred meters away (rue de Longemalle). The building is not more the property of VC. They rent the ground and first floor. All watches are VC property. They are all restaured and functionnal. Some pieces are in Beijing for another exhibition. They will be back in Geneva in the next weeks. The exhibition is usually visited in 1 hour but we stay for 2 hours.

We started with a presentation of the VC's history starting from 1755. Old machines are presented, each time with some very interesting details. Sorry some pictures are blur (taken with iPhone). Next time I'll take a real camera. For your next visit in Geneva, don't forget to visit VC and their exhibition.

Face-lathe, driven by cord (end 19th century). The watchmaker has to use his right hand to turn the lathe. Almost all lathes and machines can be detach from the wooden stand, so it can be move in the workshop.

This machine is a roller and wire-drawer.

This travel case was used by François Contantin. He travels the world to present the time pieces to customers. Passeports are also presented.

Old Geneva drawing. You can see VC building next to the tower.

This lathe is driven with the foot. Both hands are free to work on the lathe.

First floor of the exhibition

First floor of the exhibition

This is the travel desk that was used during fair to repair and service VC watches.

Small desk with oil lamp

Restaured lathes and machines

Primitive face-lathe driven by cord on a wooden wheel. Beginning of 19th century.

Machine for dividing and cutting the wheel. Signed Christoph Heinrich Kirchner - 1790

To end the visit, here are some watches from the actual collection

Quai de l'ile

Harmony

Site Info.

Privacy Policy Cookie Policy