From 1 to 15 December Vacheron Constantin, partner of the Louvre Museum, will participate in the online auction “Bid for the Louvre” by donating a specially made Les Cabinotiers timepiece, a unique piece.
Organized by Christie’s, the proceeds from the auction which includes several other works will be entirely donated to the famous French museum.
Those who win it will have the opportunity to choose between one of the works of art preserved in the museum which will be reproduced on the dial with the technique of miniature painting or grisaille enamel.
An exclusive visit to the replica Vacheron Constantin Manufacture will allow the successful bidder to choose the customization options for this extraordinary timepiece, the sale of which will serve to support the Louvre Museum’s charitable projects.
In addition to the dial, you can choose other details such as the material of the case (platinum, pink gold or white gold) and have an engraving made on the caseback with lid.
This unique timepiece will be powered by the in-house caliber 2460 SC, a classic and refined Vacheron movement.
What does Les Cabinotiers mean? Derived from “cabines” – which means “attics” – that term identifies the Geneva artisans who between the 18th and 19th centuries used to work in the bright attics of the capital.
Les Cabinotiers is also the name of the Vacheron Constantin special department which creates incredible unique masterpieces for particular clients.
Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers “Bid for the Louvre”
As is evident, the center of this unique piece will be the work of the Louvre Museum depicted on the dial. Let’s see how it will be done.
Clock face
Those who win this Les Cabinotiers will visit the Museum accompanied by an expert who will advise them and help them choose the painting or sculpture to be reproduced on the clock face.
Based on the choice, the master enameller will decide whether to use the miniature or grisaille technique.
What is the enamel miniature? The enamel miniature, in the version known as the “Genevan technique” dating back to the eighteenth century, is a difficult process as it is necessary to keep an eye on both the pigments and the firing. One of the greatest difficulties consists in composing a color palette that conforms to the original shades of the work, taking into account that the multiple firing in the oven at more than 800 ° C could alter its color and brilliance.
What is a grisaille enameled dial? It is an even older technique that dates back to the sixteenth century and consists of superimposing a veil of a rare white enamel (Limoges white) on a layer of dark enamel that covers the base of the gold dial. Each layer of enamel is then baked in the oven, respecting the cooking times to the second.
Customizations
The buyer of this special Les Cabinotier will participate in the entire creative process and during the private visit to the Geneva factory, he will be able to choose from multiple customization options such as:
The case in platinum, rose gold or white gold.
The engraving on the case and back with lid.
Choice of strap – material, color, stitching and markings.
Movement
The Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers “Bid for the Louvre” will be powered by the in-house self-winding caliber 2460 SC.
Made up of 182 elements, it beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and offers a power reserve of 40 hours. It is certified by the Hallmark of Geneva.
The transparent caseback will show a skeletonized 22-karat gold oscillating weight in the shape of a Maltese cross, symbol of Vacheron Constantin, as well as hand finishes, bevels, perlage and various polishes.
At the end of this unique and exclusive journey, the winner of the auction will receive the timepiece accompanied by two documents: one from Vacheron Constantin and the other from the Louvre Museum which certifies the reproduction of the work of art.