For Homo Faber 2024, Vacheron Constantin and the Louvre have chosen to celebrate the art of restoration. This provides an opportunity to showcase the intricate work of Vacheron Constantin and Louvre artisans – last week we had an interesting conversation with two of them.
In 2022 the Geneva Maison paid tribute to Japan – the ‘Guest of Honour’ at Homo Faber 2022 – with two engraved white gold Les Cabinotiers Thunder God and Wind God timepieces, inspired by Japanese mythology. With the support of the Maison, Ateliers d’Art of Musée du Louvre has created a quadriptych inspired by scenes from Japanese mythology. Two amazing artisans were there at the scene from the framing-gilding workshop of the Louvre.
This year Vacheron Constantin shows an other facet of their ongoing collaboration with Louvre. The former royal palace, the Musée du Louvre is not only the world’s largest art museum but a landmark and icon of the city, located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the first district. Throughout the years, the Louvre has established strong ties with private partners who provide generous support for the museum. These patrons provide more than just financial contributions—they help the Louvre build an ambitious and innovative cultural policy.
Restoration is a deeply respected art form by Vacheron Constantin. Dedicated to creating watches that last through centuries, the Maison is committed to maintaining all the timepieces it has produced since its origins in 1755.
The science of restoring antique timepieces passed on from generation to generation for almost three centuries is at display by Vacheron Constantin watchmaking experts at Homo Faber.
The booth and its display cases feature a number of timepieces from Vacheron Constantin’s private collection, including a 1985 Lady Kalla jewellery watch, a 1908 pocket watch and three historic American 1921 watches, including the one-off model reproduced in 2021 using period tools and watchmaking techniques.
Just like last time, the craftsmen from Louvre are also on site. In 2024, restorers from the cabinetmaking workshop at the Louvre Museum are presenting their work to the visitors. They carried out meticulous restoration work on a mahogany-veneered oak display case with gilded bronze appliqué decoration dating from 1822, crafted by the famous cabinetmaker Jacob-Desmalter. This creation, along with three other identical display cases, was used to exhibit gems from the royal collections and objects belonging to Marie-Antoinette in the Jewellery Room at the Louvre.
Photo credits: Vacheron Constantin
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