For context, Vacheron Constantin’s last major commemorations were held in 2005 for the brand’s 250th anniversary. The 2025 press event not only surpassed that of 2005, but it is regarded by most of the journalists who attended as one of the most remarkable and successful experiences of their careers. Not for its extravagance, but for its exceptional human dimension conveyed by the driving forces behind the manufacture, for the emotional intensity during key encounters, for the artistic and spectacular grandeur of the gala dinner, and for the demonstration of expertise in fine watchmaking and decorative arts presented with elegance and authenticity over the course of three days of celebrations and activities.
The event began in Paris with the unveiling of the astronomical automaton clock The Quest of Time at the Louvre, and concluded two days later in Geneva at the heart of a manufacture transformed into a stage and a temple of culture.
From Australia to the USA, via France, Mexico, and Singapore, a dozen leading journalists shared their impressions with GMT and WorldTempus. We felt it important to echo their voices to our readers, as the perception of these international experts reflects the exceptional role and stature of the brand within the world of haute horlogerie. Here’s how these influential voices in the watchmaking industry experienced the event, listed alphabetically.
Carlos Alonso (Tiempo de Relojes, SIAR):
"What stood out to me was the originality of the format and the connection between people — the watchmakers, the artists, and us visitors — as well as that little touch of luxury with the private dinner at the Louvre. They paid great attention to detail. It wasn’t just marketing designed for social media and influencers, but for true connoisseurs and passionate followers of the brand, who understand its work and value human relationships. They created an incredible mix — you could feel the heart behind it. Without a doubt, it was one of the best watch events I’ve ever attended."
Frédéric Brun (Le Figaro):
"I found the spirit of this celebration remarkable — it wasn’t self-congratulatory, but handled with subtlety and joy. Nothing felt stiff or formal, everything was done with great elegance. I particularly appreciated that this was a journey from Paris to Geneva, which I see as a generous gesture by the brand in offering a dual celebration. Even the astronomical clock, highly sophisticated, was presented at the Louvre with refinement and delicacy, not just as a feat of engineering. It was a great honor for both Vacheron Constantin and the Louvre."
Marc-André Deschoux (Watches TV, Horodedia):
"This event stands out for its complete coherence, and its extremely inspiring and powerful message — a true testament to beauty and responsibility within the art of watchmaking. Simply magnificent."
Nicholas Foulkes (Author, How to Spend It, Vanity Fair, President of the GPHG Jury):
"In substance, they’ve created a new milestone in haute horlogerie with this mechanical art piece, The Quest of Time, which is completely beyond anything that’s ever been created by any brand before — it's simply incomparable. In terms of form, they surprised us at every turn — from the gala dinner inside the Louvre to our transfer between Paris and Geneva on a private TGV complete with Vacheron Constantin-themed entertainment. Their CEO, Laurent Perves, added a human dimension to the technical and artistic achievement, which was felt across all levels of the hierarchy and departments."
Rinny Gremaud (Magazine T - Le Temps):
"It’s the first time I’ve attended an anniversary of this scale, with such resources and such quality of communication. The message was embedded in the form: we were welcomed by a house that puts its watchmaking expertise forward rather than its leadership, with humility — emphasizing the teams, the people in the workshops. Being greeted by all the collaborators, and knowing they all contributed to the event, was powerful. It was a meaningful combination of form and substance, which is rare at such grand celebrations where usually only the means are on display."
Wei Koh (Revolution):
"Everything around The Quest of Time was presented with joy, authenticity, kindness, and warmth. Vacheron Constantin embraces its responsibilities as a grand watchmaking maison, continuing the quest for time and pushing the boundaries of haute horlogerie and artistic crafts. The horological refinement and intellectual richness of the event were incredible. For example, the panel hosted by Nick Foulkes with the Louvre curator and researcher XYC could have been dull, but instead, it turned into a wonderful experience."
Nazanin Lankarini (NY Times, WorldTempus):
"Vacheron Constantin showed us that the world’s oldest watch brand remains among the most creative. They managed to make this original event truly special, centered around an absolutely unique product and some fantastic evenings. It’s uplifting to see optimism for the future at a time when the industry is facing challenges."
Carine Loeillet (L’Express):
"When they revealed The Quest of Time at the Louvre and then invited us to a private dinner there, we felt we had touched the Grail and thought nothing could surpass it. But the emotional intensity peaked when hundreds of the manufacture’s collaborators welcomed us like friends, and when we saw them working in their workshops surrounded by dancers and musicians. You could feel how proud they were to be part of the manufacture — the chills stayed with me all night. I have no words to describe the feeling — I’ll never forget this event."
Serge Maillard (Europa Star):
"I was blown away by the attention to detail in the two years of preparation for this event — and the seven years of R&D for the piece itself. And when we arrived at the manufacture to a guard of honor formed by the watchmakers — that was something I had never seen before!"
Andrew McUtchen (Time and Tide):
"The most touching moment that sums up the entire event was the incredible guard of honor by the watchmakers upon our arrival at the manufacture — that’s the heart of Vacheron Constantin: the humility of placing its watchmakers on a pedestal. That moment gave me overwhelming emotion. Then, the visit to the manufacture, paced by dancers and musicians, added a cultural and artistic layer to the watchmaking workshops, which transported us. It was one of the best watch events of my life."
Roberta Naas (Author, ATimelyPerspective):
"In my 40-year career, I’ve never toured a manufacture where musicians and dancers performed among artisans and watchmakers. It conveyed a lesson in culture, art, and beauty — a magical impression. They captured that essence. Celebrating a watchmaking anniversary in this way is simply phenomenal. As for the clock, it’s more than just a highly sophisticated mechanical object — it prompts reflection on time and the universe. I remain in awe of the historical impact of this celebration."
JX Su (SJX):
"The exhibition of this piece at the Louvre demonstrates the artistic and cultural importance of this work in human history, and the exceptional nature of the pieces shown places Vacheron Constantin in a very strong position within the industry."
Victoria Townsend (GQ):
"The human quality of the event impressed me just as much as the artistic significance of the pieces displayed. The Louvre exhibition is truly unprecedented — it gives this clock a timeless and uniquely special dimension."
The media weren’t the only ones to experience this magical moment at the manufacture — Vacheron Constantin repeated the experience for its clients, suppliers, and partners during four separate evenings.
When you love, you count all the way to 270!
