Vacheron Constantin pulls out all the stops at Watches&Wonders

Visitors to the Vacheron Constantin booth at Watches&Wonders, the fine watch fair which recently ended in Hong Kong, were left in no doubt that the Maison was determined to make its presence on Asian soil a memorable one. Not only did the company play host to clients and retailers with first-class catering and cocktails, in an area next to an extension of its Atelier Cabinotiers in Geneva, a special service devoted to the custom-manufacture of timepieces for the brand’s most ardent admirers, it also set up a unique exhibition showing some of its finest striking watches, and this from 1755, the year of its establishment. The highlight, however, was the Patrimony Contemporaine ultra-thin calibre 1731, released this year. This minute repeater with small seconds is the thinnest in the world. Its hand-wound mechanical movement measures 3.90mm high inside a case 8.09mm thick.

“While Asia may be won over to fine watchmaking, particularly for Vacheron Constantin which has been present in China since 1845, this doesn’t imply that we can take growth for granted,” explained Juan-Carlos Torres, CEO, speaking at the fair. “It was therefore natural to launch an initiative such as Watches&Wonders, just as it was logical to stage it in Hong Kong, which is a hub for all the Asian markets. It was important that Vacheron Constantin take part as a strong sign of its commitment to the region. This was also our chance to present all our collections together in one place for the first time in Asia, alongside nine new products including our famous minute repeater. We wanted this to be special.”

Putting the accent on after-sales service

As Juan-Carlos Torres rightly points out, Vacheron Constantin has long-standing ties with Asia and is forging ever closer relations. For example, some five years ago the brand took up residence inside the Twin Villa in Shanghai, a carefully restored, 1920s mansion. “The villa is an extraordinary showcase for Vacheron Constantin where we employ a watchmaker who is fully-trained to take care of the grandes complications watches which are entrusted to us for after-sales service. Between our centres in Shanghai and Beijing, we are able to handle all levels of repair in China with a staff of 17 people. Furthermore, and in collaboration with the Richemont Group to which we belong, we have opened a watchmaking school in Beijing so that we can further strengthen our service to customers. In this day and age, it’s essential.”

Not that Vacheron Constantin is focusing all its attention on Asia. “We are a global brand,” said Juan-Carlos Torres, “and while China is important, we cannot, for example, ignore the stream of tourists, from Asian countries in particular. Each market must be given individual consideration and investments allocated in accordance with our business plans, which originate in a rather prudent strategy. Our job is to produce finely-crafted watches and movements while emphasising production and expanding our boutique network. This explains why we are extending our sites in La Vallée-de-Joux, soon to open, and Geneva.” Vacheron Constantin prepares for the future.