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“The Quest: 270 years of seeking excellence”

Swiss watch brand Vacheron Constantin arrives in Tokyo with an exhibition celebrating its 270-year history. Founded in 1755 in Geneva by Jean-Marc Vacheron, the brand took the name Vacheron Constantin in 1820, following the entry into the company of French merchant François Constantin.

Since its inception, the Maison has combined traditional craftsmanship and technical innovation, constantly remaining at the forefront of the world of watchmaking.

Held at the Ba-Tsu Gallery in the Jingumae district, the exhibition is divided into four thematic rooms, each dedicated to a significant stage in the Maison's long creative and technical journey.

Open to the public starting April 26, 2025, the exhibition will be open for a full year. The exhibition also offers an opportunity to retrace the historic bond between Vacheron Constantin and Japan, which began in the 19th century and is documented by precious archives.

As early as 1897, the Maison was contacted by local operators such as Tenshodo, while its official entry into the Japanese market took place in 1917 with an exclusive contract with Siber, Hegner & Co. Over time, Vacheron Constantin has received recognition from important Japanese personalities, testifying to the solid relationship between the Maison and the Land of the Rising Sun.

Courtesy of Vacheron Constantin

The first chapter “HERITAGE” narrates the origins and evolution of Vacheron Constantin through documents, photographs, objects, and historic watches from the Maison's private archive.

Among the pieces on display are the first wristwatch, dating back to 1889, and two extraordinary creations born from the collaboration with Zohiko, Japan's oldest maki-e (lacquering) specialist, combining refined Japanese craftsmanship with the excellence of Swiss watchmaking.

The room, decorated in shades of red and white, features a central display housing the Maison's official book and an explanatory video retracing key moments in its history.

The display is particularly evocative: white sheets of paper suspended in the air seem to fly, symbolizing the flow of time and memory.

Courtesy of Vacheron Constantin

Collaboration With Zohiko, Japan's Oldest Lacquer Specialist, 2010
Photo @ Valentina Cannava

Collaboration With Zohiko, Japan's Oldest Lacquer Specialist, 2011
Photo @ Valentina Cannava

The second chapter “MÉTIERS D'ART”, pays tribute to the savoir-faire of the artisans who create Vacheron Constantin's masterpieces of fine watchmaking and jewelry.

Guests are greeted by a “continuous ribbon of knowledge”, a metaphor for the passage of time, along which the refined artisanal techniques cultivated by the Maison over the centuries take shape and emerge.

A display running the entire perimeter of the room displays miniature enamels, engraving tools, and gem-setting equipment, offering a close-up look at the rare skills that make each creation unique.

At the center of the room, embedded in the wooden floor, stands the symbol of the Maltese Cross, the Maison's iconic emblem, representing the balance between mechanical precision and timeless art.

Courtesy of Vacheron Constantin

Courtesy of Vacheron Constantin

The third chapter, “HIGH WATCHMAKING”, is entirely dedicated to Les Cabinotiers - The Berkley Grand Complication, unveiled in 2024.

This extraordinary timepiece, composed of 2,877 components and featuring 63 horological complications, includes a true world first: the first Chinese perpetual calendar ever made.

Through transparent and movable display cases, visitors can admire up close the technical beauty and mechanical complexity of this absolute masterpiece of fine watchmaking, an expression of Vacheron Constantin's unparalleled virtuosity.

Courtesy of Vacheron Constantin

The final chapter, “THE QUEST” concludes the exhibition.

A darkened space, furnished with a circular sofa, invites visitors to immerse themselves in the world of astronomy. Watching the projection on the ceiling, a splendid view of the Milky Way envelops the viewer, creating an immersive and evocative experience.

A small interactive game makes the experience even more engaging: visitors can choose a specific date and location to obtain a map of the sky at that exact moment.

Courtesy of Vacheron Constantin

The exhibition pays homage to Vacheron Constantin's 270-year history, combining art, technology, and culture in an immersive journey in the heart of Tokyo. It's a unique opportunity to discover the legacy and future vision of one of the oldest and most prestigious Swiss watchmaking houses.

Embracing the motto that still guides the spirit of the Maison - as François Constantin loved to say: “Do better if possible, and that is always possible.”