What would watchmaking be without feminine momentum? Doubtless not the same! The art of time measurement indeed owes a great deal to women, whose expectations have encouraged watchmakers to excel. Over the years, Vacheron Constantin has made it a point of honor to respond to their wishes. This is reflected in the brand's feminine creations from the 18th century onwards, which were often imagined through correspondence with customers. As pieces of jewelry in their own right, Vacheron Constantin period watches are beautifully embellished with guilloché, engraving, enameling and gemsetting. Nor do these creations neglect the world of horological complications, including the ingenious minute-repeater function. Earlier 20th century fashion was all about bare arms, providing a perfect opportunity to adorn them with the first wristwatches – housing top-flight miniaturized movements – of which women were early adopters. The oldest known wristwatch from the Manufacture, dating from 1889, was in fact intended for women.
Today, Vacheron Constantin draws on its rich heritage to interpret contemporary women's watchmaking. Its latest collection, Égérie, is inspired by the brand's off-center displays dating back to the 19th century. Christian Selmoni, the brand's Style & Heritage Director, describes it in these terms: "Égérie is perfectly in tune with our times: it features the user-friendliness of self-winding movements and a delightfully versatile nature – thanks to a quick strap change – as well as a foray into the world of watchmaking complications with a moonphase interpretation. "In the jewelry version which is gemset down to the smallest link, is adorned with a cascade of 1,344 diamonds. Its sparkling soul sister, the Égérie moonphase diamond-paved model, is clasped to the wrist with a leather or satin strap. Said Christian Seloni: "We are committed to maintaining and developing craftsmanship, including gemsetting.” Finally, the Heure Romantique iteration conjures up visions of a completely different era – the early 20th century – with its Art Nouveau style arabesques, naturally lit up with diamonds. For in the realm of timeless beauty, diamonds reign supreme... in the service of sovereign women!
