A celebration of almost three centuries of mechanical watchmaking, the Vacheron Constantin Less’ential exhibition explores the manufacture’s ongoing pursuit of timeless elegance and refined aesthetics. With many Vacheron Constantin pieces dually defined by their innovative approach to watchmaking as they are to their design restraint, Less’ential distils the maison’s heritage and graphic language into a selection of meticulously curated pieces.
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“This idea of watchmaking purity, which is synonymous with elegance at Vacheron Constantin, is a signature that can be found throughout its history, but which took on a much more precise form at the beginning of the last century,” notes Christian Selmoni, style and heritage director at Vacheron Constantin.
A portmanteau of ‘less’ and ‘essential’, the roving exhibition comprises references selected from the almost 1600 timepieces that comprise the Vacheron Constantin private collection. Carefully considered proportions and balanced dials meet ultra-thin mechanical watchmaking, with notable references including an asymmetrical bracelet watch, a platinum minute repeater, and one of the maison’s first quartz watches.
Less’ential is in Sydney from the 8th to 25th of September at the Vacheron Constantin boutique at 104 King Street. Albert Review was invited to preview the collection ahead of its opening to the public. Herewith, our favourite pieces that encapsulate Vacheron Constantin’s restrained design language.
Prestige asymmetrical watch with dual-time display,1978
Representing a departure from traditional (read: circular) watchmaking cues, this timepiece won the Prestige de France prize for its innovative case shape. Its isosceles trapeze shape prioritises ergonomics, perfectly curving to the shape of the wrist. Also known as a ‘cross-country’ watch, it features a dual time display, denoted by two sets of Dauphine-type hands. No hour makers needed.
Yellow gold “surprise” pocket watch,1954
Shh. Designed as a purse watch, this timepiece was created in collaboration with French jeweller Verger Frères. Uniting horology with jewellery, this surprise watch is encase in a yellow gold guilloché case featuring a hinged opening system and a clasp decorated with a cabochon.
Yellow and white gold pocket watch with a jumping-hour display, 1929
Housing both a jumping-hour and mysterious minutes display, this pocket watch exudes effortless simplicity despite its complications. Minutes are indicated by an onyx pointer that appears through a slot in the dial rimmed with a minutes track, while the dial itself features a sunburst guilloché pattern.
The Less’ential exhibition will run until the 18th of October at the Vacheron Constantin boutique at 104 King Street, Sydney. Appointments can be made by calling the boutique on (02) 7205 6090.
Words by AR Staff
