News
For over two centuries years—270 years to be exact—Vacheron Constantin has remained a giant in the realm of high watchmaking. In a world peppered with transience and brevity, the watchmaking Maison’s steady growth and expansion over almost three centuries is certainly cause for celebration.
Running from February 21 to April 15, Vacheron Constantin will launch a global celebration of its 270th anniversary with ‘The Quest: 270 Years of Seeking Excellence’, an immersive exhibition debuting at Abu Dhabi’s Al Qana. The event marks the Maison’s enduring pursuit of horological perfection while also honouring Abu Dhabi’s cultural richness. Blending archival treasures, cutting-edge craftsmanship, and regional traditions, the exhibition offers a journey through the brand’s past, present, and future, framed by the emirate’s dynamic spirit.
Central to the experience is the unveiling of a one-of-a-kind timepiece featuring an Abu Dhabi celestial sky chart, symbolising the region’s historical ties to astronomy. This bespoke creation, alongside the debut of Vacheron Constantin’s first-ever Majlis—a curated space reflecting Middle Eastern hospitality—underscores the Maison’s commitment to local collaboration. Designed with Tashkeel and Emirati artists, the Majlis will host workshops, panel discussions, and culinary experiences by Chef Mariam Al Mansoori, merging horological artistry with Emirati heritage.
The exhibition’s narrative unfolds across thematic chapters, beginning with the Maison’s 1755 origins in Geneva. Rare artefacts illustrate milestones: a facsimile of founder Jean-Marc Vacheron’s first apprentice contract (the act that founded the Maison all those years ago), the 1839 pantograph invention and the diamond-studded Kallista from 1979. The journey swerves from here to explore ancestral crafts like guillochage and enamelling, followed by a deep dive into high watchmaking. Here, the spotlight falls on the Les Cabinotiers–The Berkley Grand Complication, a 2024 masterpiece with 2,877 components and 63 complications, displayed via interactive panels revealing its intricate mechanics.
The experience culminates in ‘The Quest’ chapter, where the Celestia Astronomical Grand Complication—featuring 23 complications and a patented running equation of time—takes centre stage. Set against a starry backdrop, this tribute to Abu Dhabi’s skies echoes the region’s astrological heritage. Guests can even generate personalised celestial charts, creating a quiet moment to indulge in some introspection.
Christophe Ramel, Managing Director of Vacheron Constantin Middle East, notes, “Abu Dhabi’s blend of innovation and tradition mirrors our own values. This exhibition is a dialogue between 270 years of horological passion and a culture that treasures craftsmanship.” Noura Al Foulathi of Abu Dhabi Investment Office adds, “Hosting this global debut reaffirms our position as a crossroads of luxury and heritage.”
Coinciding with Ramadan, the programme will include special events fusing artistry with cultural reverence, while April 1 will see the simultaneous reveal of Watches & Wonders novelties with Geneva—a first for the region. To personalise visits, an online platform allows for tailored experiences, from hands-on workshops to exclusive previews.
While the programme certainly promises to deliver, ‘The Quest’ is more than an exhibition; it is an invitation to ponder time’s dual nature—as measured by celestial cycles and mechanical ingenuity. For Vacheron Constantin, excellence remains a journey without end, encapsulated in its 1819 motto: “Do better if possible, and that is always possible.”
