Press release
Vacheron Constantin Announces First US Boutique To Open in New York
- 729 Madison Avenue at East 64th Street: a prestigious address -
Vacheron Constantin is reinforcing its international presence with the opening of its first boutique in the United States, located in New York City. This is the brand's 28th boutique worldwide. The new opening marks another step forward in the brand's worldwide expansion, further strengthening ties first established with North America in 1832.
The choice of New York for the opening of a first Vacheron Constantin boutique in the United States is no coincidence, since this is a location carrying powerful symbolism.
One hundred and eighty years ago, on September 17th 1831, Jean-Barthélémy Vacheron wrote a letter stating his intention to expand business to the US. Just one year later, in 1832, the company established its first agent in New York. By mid-century, business had taken off: company archives show that in 1855 a parcel containing chronometer timepieces with a new stem winding mechanism was delivered to New York. The beauty and precision of these watches won over Americans, helping the brand to take firm root in the United States and ushering in an era of close cooperation between New York and Vacheron Constantin.
The brand continued to grow and flourish in the 20th century. In the early 1900s, its timepieces could be found on the wrists of eminent personalities such as members of the Rockefeller family, Henry and William James, and Sydney Bechet. Archival records show that customized Vacheron Constantin timepieces were ordered by notable collectors as Henry Graves and James Ward Packard, recognizing already at the time the technical expertise and craftsmanship know-how (enamelling, engraving, guilloche craft and gem-setting) of Vacheron Constantin. The company took part in the New York World's Fair in 1939. Presidents Harry Truman and Dwight D. Eisenhower each owned a Vacheron Constantin, and in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, the brand was called upon to commemorate the first US expeditions into space. Reaching an exceptional milestone in 2005, Vacheron Constantin celebrated 250 years of history around the world with gala anniversary events held in 17 global cities, including New York.
A unique showcase
Vacheron Constantin's deep roots in New York make it the ideal place to open the first US boutique. It is the brand's 28th boutique, following on from others such as Geneva (its birthplace), Moscow, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Dubai. The location of the brand's newest boutique in New York is a distinct historic location : the building, built in 1908, is the work of architect William E. Mowbrayand is reminiscent of the Palazzo Strozzi, a 15th century Florentine palace. Located on the southeast corner of Madison Avenue and 64th Street, it exemplifies the splendour of classic Italian art and expresses the brand universe in a truly exceptional location.
Three exceptional models
Three exclusive models are being introduced to celebrate the boutique opening: the Overseas Chronograph Perpetual Calendar Boutique New York, the Historiques American 1921 Boutique New York, and the Patrimony Traditionnelle calibre 2755 Boutique New York. From the Overseas whose dial bears the colors of the American flag, to the historical watch evoking the Roaring Twenties, to the one-of-a-kind Grand Complication timepiece featuring a specially engraved case, these three exceptional creations each illustrate a milestone in Vacheron Constantin's history and represent, each in their own way, the rich and storied heritage of the brand. These special, limited edition timepieces issued to mark the inauguration of the New York boutique pay vibrant tribute to the avant-garde spirit of a brand that has consistently devoted its expertise to the finest quality, unparalleled elegance, and high craftsmanship for more than 255 years.
Historiques American 1921 Boutique New York
To celebrate its first boutique in the United States, Vacheron Constantin is reinterpreting one of its elegant models: “Historiques American 1921”. Paying homage to its heritage and the quest for excellence, the 64-piece New York limited edition echoes the prestigious new address on the corner of Madison and 64th Street.
The Roaring Twenties… the expression conjures up images of early automobiles and the sounds of jazz, vibrantly echoed in the Historiques American 1921 Boutique New York. This model is inspired by an avant-garde cushion-shaped wristwatch that Vacheron Constantin produced in very limited quantities specifically for the American market in the 1920s, then reinterpreted for a new introduction in 2008.
A new variation of this ultimate “dandy” watch is being introduced on the occasion of the New York boutique opening. It features a 40 mm diameter case distinguished by a unique offset dial and a crown at
1 o'clock. Issued in a 64-piece limited edition, with 18K yellow gold case, the dial sports beige-colored Arabic numerals and a small seconds subdial subtly revealing the 3 o'clock numeral below. The sandblasted dial has a black-painted “railtrack” chapter ring. The case-back is hand-engraved with the unique number of the watch as well as the inscription: “Madison and 64th”.
The watch is powered by the mechanical hand-wound Calibre 4400 developed and crafted in-house by Vacheron Constantin, which bears the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva, and indicates hours, minutes and small seconds. It beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and has an approximately 65-hour power reserve.
Water-resistant to a pressure of 3 bar which is equivalent to 30 meters, the model is fitted with a hand-sewn saddle-stitched strap in dark brown alligator leather fastened with an 18-carat yellow gold pin buckle shaped like a half Maltese cross.
The Historiques American 1921 Boutique New York model is issued in a 64-piece limited edition and delivered in a special leather presentation box featuring a powerful and bold aesthetic. Design enthusiasts will be fascinated by the reinterpretation of the historic dial, while collectors will be delighted to share in a slice of history that transcends long-dormant ages in New York, the city that never sleeps.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Reference 82035/000J-9717
Historiques American 1921 Boutique New York
Calibre 4400, developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin
Stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva
Energy Mechanical, manual-winding
Movement thickness 2.80 mm
Movement diameter 28.60 mm (12 ½ lignes)
Number of Jewels 21
Number of components 106
Frequency 4Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
Indications Hours, minutes and small seconds at 3 o'clock indication
Power reserve Approximately 65 hours
Case 18K yellow gold
40.00 mm in diameter
Transparent, sapphire crystal, closed with screws
Cushion shape, round opening
Transparent, sapphire crystal, closed with screws, offset ball-shaped crown
Water resistance Tested at a pressure of 3 bar (approximately 30 metres)
Dial Silvered grained
12 beige painted hour-markers
Strap Brown Mississippiensis alligator leather, hand-stitched saddle-finish, large square-scales
Buckle 18K yellow gold buckle
Polished half Maltese cross
Limited edition of 64 individually numbered pieces
Exclusively for the Vacheron Constantin Boutique in New York
“N° X/64” and “Madison and 64th” engraved on caseback
Overseas Chronograph Perpetual Calendar Boutique New York
To celebrate the opening of its first boutique in the United States, Vacheron Constantin presents an original model: the Overseas Chronograph Perpetual Calendar Boutique New York. The red, white and blue of the dial and strap pay tribute to the American national colors and recall the brand's presence in the United States since 1832.
The Overseas Chronograph Perpetual Calendar Boutique New York model incorporates two major complications within a sporting and elegant case. The combination of the chronograph and the perpetual calendar – both highly sought after by devotees of mechanical fine watchmaking – is a first for the Overseas collection, which houses the remarkable Calibre 1136 within a steel case. As rare as it is complex, the Overseas Chronograph Perpetual Calendar Boutique New York is issued in a 20-piece individually numbered limited edition exclusively reserved for the New York boutique.
At the heart of this exceptional model beats Calibre 1136 QP and its 228 parts: a mechanical self-winding movement featuring a balance oscillating at 21,600 vibrations per hour, with an approximately 40-hour power reserve. In addition to the hours, minutes and small seconds at 6 o'clock, Calibre 1136 QP powers the chronograph functions as well as the perpetual calendar indicating the day of the week, the date and the month on a 48-month cycle complete with leap-year and moon-phase displays.
Entirely in tune with the American culture, the model proudly bears the US national colors – red, white and blue – on its dial and strap. It comes in a 42 mm case that is water-resistant to 15 bar (approximately 150 metres). The collection's signature bezel inspired by the Maltese cross is made of stainless steel, like all the other case elements. A soft iron cage within the case protects the mechanical movement from magnetic fields. The screw-down case-back is engraved with the inscription “Madison and 64th” – the boutique address – as well as the individual number of each watch within the 20-piece limited edition. Each watch comes with two straps: one in blue alligator leather with a red lining and the other in chestnut brown calfskin.
The Overseas Chronograph Perpetual Calendar Boutique New York immediately sets the tone with its vibrant colors, associating the American dream and the cosmopolitan culture of New York with the best of fine watchmaking.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICSReference 49020/000A-9718
Overseas Chronograph Perpetual Calendar Boutique New York
Calibre 1136 QP
Energy Mechanical, self-winding
Movement thickness 7.90 mm
Movement diameter 28 mm (11 ¼ lignes)
Number of Jewels 37
Number of components 228
Frequency 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations/hour)
Indications Hours, minutes and small seconds at 6 o'clock
Column-wheel chronograph with 30-minute and 12-hour counters
Perpetual calendar (day of the week, date, 48-month counter with leap-year indication)
Moon phase
Power reserve Approximately 40 hours
Case Stainless steel
42 mm in diameter
Sapphire with anti-reflective coating on the inside, flat
Solid with stamped “Overseas” medallion, closed with screws
Equipped with antimagnetic protection
Water resistance Tested at a pressure of 15 bar (approximately 150 metres)
Dial Dark blue, sunray satin-finished
12 applied trapezoid hour-markers in 18K white gold with white luminescent material
Strap Dark blue Mississippiensis alligator leather, hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large squale-scales, red leather inner shell
Delivered with a second strap in brown barenia
Clasp Stainless steel triple-blade folding clasp, double security with buttons, polished half Maltese cross
Limited edition of 20 individually numbered pieces
Exclusively for the Vacheron Constantin Boutique in New York
“N°X/20” and “Madison and 64th” engraved on the caseback
Patrimony Traditionnelle calibre 2755 Boutique New York
The Patrimony Traditionnelle calibre 2755 Boutique New York model is an authentic Vacheron Constantin masterpiece. This watch is created in a single piece limited edition to celebrate the opening of the New York boutique. Equipped with a tourbillon, a perpetual calendar and a minute repeater, it pays tribute to high watchmaking tradition. In a nod to the façade of the building in which the new Vacheron Constantin boutique is located, the hand-engraved frieze motif on the case serves as a reminder that the world's oldest watch manufacturer with an uninterrupted history has been sharing an important chapter in its history with the United States since 1832.
Rare, complex and exclusive are the words that best describe the Patrimony Traditionnelle calibre 2755 Boutique New York. Created in a one-piece limited edition for the opening of the New York boutique, it pays tribute to the expertise acquired over more than 255 years by a Manufacture that set off to conquer North America at an early stage in its history.
Crafted in pink gold, this Patrimony Traditionnelle calibre 2755 Boutique New York model is a Grand Complication timepiece. Its 602-part movement developed and crafted in-house by Vacheron Constantin and bearing the Hallmark of Geneva incorporates the three major complications of the art of fine watchmaking: a tourbillon, a perpetual calendar, and a minute repeater.
Of these three complications, the minute repeater is undoubtedly the one that has been dealt with in the most original manner, providing further proof, if such were needed, that the Manufacture Vacheron Constantin is one of the world's most innovative watch brands. Simultaneously seeking to push back technical limits while maintaining the user friendliness of this multi-complication timepiece, the Vacheron Constantin engineers and master-watchmakers have developed an original centripetal strike governor device.
This system features two weights which act as a brake on the governor's rotating shaft, thus evening out the energy released by the barrel. To achieve this, it uses opposing centrifugal and centripetal forces. Once the governor spins, the centrifugal force pivots one end of the weights outwards so that the other acts as an increasingly powerful brake on the central shaft, thus bringing the rotation and strike to a slower, steadier rate. This ingenious, patented device is perfectly silent, and enthusiasts can satisfy their curiosity by admiring the spinning governor through the sapphire-crystal caseback.
In addition to the minute repeater, the Patrimony Traditionnelle calibre 2755 Boutique New York has a tourbillon which counteracts the effects of gravity in order to enhance the movement's precision while offering the aesthetic advantage of providing a view of the beating heart of the watch. Meanwhile, the perpetual calendar, a mechanical memory of time to come, is capable of following the Gregorian calendar without any human intervention other than a date change every 400 years.
Within the Vacheron Constantin universe, the Patrimony Traditionnelle calibre 2755 Boutique New York watch is a perfect expression of the brand's heritage and the skills patiently acquired by its master watchmakers and handed down through generations since its founding. With its round 44 mm case, its timeless classicism and its understated elegance, it embodies the finest horological traditions and is an unparalleled reference in high-end Swiss watchmaking.
In addition to the pure and rigorous technical attributes it embodies, this one-of-a-kind model also displays aesthetic codes expressed through decidedly contemporary language: a slender bezel, a knurled motif around the screw-down caseback framing a sapphire crystal, trapeze-shaped hour-markers, “dauphine” hands and an opaline dark grey dial. A hand-engraved frieze motif on the case echoes one found on the façade at Madison Avenue and 64th Street in New York. On the back, two engravings – “No1/1” and “Madison and 64th” – indicate the exceptional and unique nature of the Patrimony Traditionnelle calibre 2755 Boutique New York.
Unswerving loyalty to high-minded principles combined with respect for expertise and an indomitable spirit of innovation: these qualities have enabled Vacheron Constantin to make an indelible mark on watchmaking history. The opening of the brand's first boutique in the United States allows the company to pay tribute to the history it shares with the United States. The Patrimony Traditionnelle calibre 2755 Boutique New York vividly reflects this dynamic. Since 1831, when Jean-Barthélémy Vacheron first expressed his dream of an American adventure, and during the 180 years since then, the brand has proven it is as vibrantly alive today as ever. Its first US boutique and the three limited edition timepieces created for the opening embody a momentum that is hardly surprising in the land of pioneers.
Patrimony Traditionnelle calibre 2755 Boutique New York. © Vacheron Constantin
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Reference 80172/000R-9724
Patrimony Traditionnelle calibre 2755 Boutique New York
Calibre 2755, developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin
Stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva
Energy Mechanical, manual-winding
Movement thickness 7.90 mm
Movement diameter 33.90 mm (14 ¾ lignes )
Number of Jewels 40
Number of components 602
Frequency 2.5 Hz (18,000 vibrations per hour)
Indications Hours, minutes, seconds on the tourbillon
Minute repeater
Tourbillon
Perpetual calendar (day of the week, date, month and leap year indication)
Power reserve on the back of the watch
Power reserve Approximately 58 hours
Case 18K 5N pink gold
44 mm in diameter
Polished and hand-engraved with designs inspired by the building of the Vacheron Constantin New York Boutique
Sapphire with anti-reflective coating on the inside, convex
Transparent, sapphire crystal, closed with screws
Water resistance Non water-resistant
Dial Platinum-colored
Snailed counters center
White painted minute track
Strap Brown Mississippiensis alligator, hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large square-scales
Clasp 18K 5N pink gold triple-blade folding clasp,
Polished half Maltese cross
This timepiece is a unique piece
Exclusively for the Vacheron Constantin Boutique in New York
“N° 1/1” and “Madison and 64th” engraved on caseback
