Vacheron Constantin is celebrating its 270th anniversary this year, thus continuing to hold the title of the oldest watchmaker with uninterrupted production. A wonderful opportunity, then, to celebrate a heritage to which the brand remains deeply committed today, and which has become one of Vacheron Constantin’s many hallmarks: the art of enamel. Together with Vacheron Constantin, we recently invited our collector community to an enamel masterclass at the Vacheron Constantin Boutique in Munich.
The venue for the evening: the Munich Vacheron Constantin boutique
Alongside a master watchmaker, Boutique Manager Isabell Brauer not only presented us with historical pocket watches, but also gave us an insight into various enamel techniques such as Champlevé, Cloisonné, Basse-Taille, Grisaille, miniature painting, Plique-à-jour and Flinquage. Each guest had the opportunity to paint a Croix de Malte trivet themselves, as well as the chance to experience first hand just how demanding this craft is. Enamel art has become so rare that only a few master craftsmen worldwide have fully mastered these skills.
Boutique manager Isabell Brauer and a master watchmaker from Vacheron Constantin presented historic tourbillon pocket watches – some of which date from the early 20th century.
The enamelling stations where guests could try their hand at enamelling – a vanishing art form with roots that go back as far as the Byzantine Empire.
By working on oversized dial blanks, guests got an impression of how delicate and challenging the actual enamelling on a significantly smaller scale is.
The credo of Vacheron Constantin – the oldest watchmaker with uninterrupted production – has endured for 270 years.
Historical example of an 18-carat yellow gold and enamel pocket watch from 1901
The guests chose their three favourite colours from a selection of 16 – and created their very own patterns. To achieve the desired colour shade, our guests had to find the right ratio of enamel powder and water.
A delicate touch: even when working with the oversized blanks, the enamelling process requires the utmost concentration.
On display: the sporty Overseas models with a green dial, alongside the elegant Traditionnelle Tourbillon Chronograph
Each guest could choose their own personal enamel motif.
The Traditionnelle Moon Phase with 548 round-cut diamonds on the dial – next to it, the collector’s favourite: the Traditionnelle Full Calendar Openface
After the enamel had been fired and hardened, our collectors were able to take their creation home.
