To mark its 270th anniversary, Vacheron Constantin presents ‘The Quest: 270 years of seeking excellence’, a new public exhibition retracing the brand’s 270-year quest for watchmaking excellence. An experiential journey celebrating the core values that have defined Vacheron Constantin’s identity since 1755, this immersive exhibition invites visitors to experience the Maison’s past, present, and future. Designed to travel around the globe throughout 2025, ‘The Quest’ will inaugurate its world tour in Abu Dhabi in February 2025, reflecting the emirate’s position as a leading destination for luxury retail. Set against the stunning backdrop of Al Qana in the heart of Abu Dhabi, the exhibition will take place from 21st February to 15th April 2025.
In celebration of Vacheron Constantin’s 270th anniversary, the Maison will honor the region and Abu Dhabi’s rich culture by offering an experience deeply infused with local design, traditions, and flavors. As part of an exciting program, the Maison will unveil a one-of-a-kind timepiece featuring the Abu Dhabi celestial sky chart, alongside the first-ever Vacheron Constantin Majlis. The exhibition will also feature a series of workshops and panel discussions that invite guests to explore the artistry behind the Maison’s craftsmanship. During Ramadan, special programs will celebrate the Holy Month, creating an immersive fusion of artistry and heritage. Additionally, for the very first time, the latest Watches & Wonders novelties will be revealed simultaneously with the Geneva Fair on April 1st, adding another exciting dimension to the exhibition.
“We are honored to present ‘The Quest: 270 Years of Seeking Excellence’ in Abu Dhabi, a destination that perfectly embodies innovation, heritage, and craftsmanship. We have created an experience that celebrates the Maison’s legacy while reflecting the emirate’s cultural richness and forward-thinking vision. It is a privilege to bring this milestone to such a dynamic and inspiring destination.” – Christophe Ramel, Managing Director, Vacheron Constantin Middle East
“Abu Dhabi is honored to be the first city to host Vacheron Constantin’s 270th-anniversary exhibit, marking the exclusive global unveiling of a new timepiece and a well curated program of immersive experiences. Opening at Al Qana, this two-month activation offers a unique space for the community to experience the brand’s timeless craftsmanship and heritage. In a celebration of artistry and innovation, this event reflects Abu Dhabi’s standing as a global destination for heritage, culture, and luxury retail.” - Noura Al Foulathi, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)
‘The Quest’ invites watchmaking enthusiasts and newcomers alike to discover 270 years of history through an itinerary featuring timepieces, calibres, components and watchmaking tools. The exhibition explores the quintessence of timekeeping while paying tribute to a legacy fuelled by passion and marked with innovations, world firsts and records. It reveals the heart of a Maison whose timepieces represent a constant quest to balance technical ingenuity and mechanical brilliance with artistic vision and fine craftsmanship.
‘The Quest: 270 years of seeking excellence’ enables visitors to fully understand the significance and implications of Vacheron Constantin’s motto since 1819: "Do better if possible, and that is always possible". This immersive and educational journey is defined by a succession of themes: The Beginning, Artistic Crafts and Finishes, High Watchmaking and Grand Complications, Openness to the World, Cultural Partnerships, and The Quest.
270 Years of History
When Jean-Marc Vacheron signed a contract with his first apprentice in 1755, marking the birth of the Maison, he initiated the quest for watchmaking excellence. Driven by passion, expertise and perseverance, this quest defines the Maison to this day. In High Watchmaking, excellence is not only a mission, but a perfectly clear objective, the road to which is marked by challenges in every area: mechanical ingenuity, technical innovation and artistic creativity. Since its creation, Vacheron Constantin has held a special place among the watch Maisons that emerged in Switzerland during the Age of Enlightenment. For Vacheron Constantin, the true value of a timepiece lies not only in the science underlying its mechanics but also in its aesthetic beauty, craftsmanship and the meticulousness of its finishing, both visible and invisible.
The Beginning
The first chapter in the exhibition reveals how the Maison’s quest for excellence took root in 1755, telling the story through documents, photographs, artefacts and historic timepieces from Vacheron Constantin’s remarkably rich archives, including the facsimile of the Maison’s founding act, the contract with Jean-Marc Vacheron's first apprentice. Since its inception, the Maison has asserted its ability to master the secrets of timekeeping while constantly pushing existing boundaries, illustrated by archive materials marking some key dates in its history – from the invention of the pantograph (1839) that enabled the standardisation and interchangeability of components for watches equipped with the same calibre, to the creation of the Kallista (1979), a timepiece carved from a one-kilo gold ingot and set with 118 diamonds totalling 130 carats.
Artistic Crafts and Finishing
Celebrating the highly skilled men and women behind numerous watchmaking masterpieces, The Quest highlights the ancestral skills for which the Maison is renowned. In this chapter of the exhibition, those skills are showcased via a seemingly endless ribbon of knowledge reflecting the passage of time. Visitors will discover age-old techniques such as engraving, enameling, gem-setting, and guillochage , all mastered by the Maison to this day.
High Watchmaking
The area devoted to High Watchmaking invites visitors to decipher complications and discover some of the most complex movements created by Vacheron Constantin. Revealing the full beauty of these mechanisms and their microscopic components, special displays enable visitors to enlarge the view to enjoy them in a way that is impossible with the naked eye. This experience will be completed by an immersion into the heart of the most complicated timepiece in the world at its launch in 2024: Les Cabinotiers - The Berkley Grand Complication. The centerpiece of this room will feature six sliding glass panels that guests can move to showcase individual cut views of the many components of this timepiece featuring 2,877 components and 63 horological complications, including the world's first Chinese perpetual calendar.
The Quest
This final chapter of the exhibition celebrates the enduring ties between astronomy and watchmaking. Beneath stunning views of the Milky Way and distant skies, visitors are invited to reflect on their own journeys and explore the intimate connection between the cosmos and the concept of time. They can create a personalized chart of the sky from any date and location, serving as a reminder of their unique quest.
At the heart of this space is the Celestia Astronomical Grand Complication, a masterpiece that embodies 270 years of horological excellence. This unique timepiece, revealed for the first time ever in Abu Dhabi, features a celestial chart displaying the Abu Dhabi sky. With 23 complications, including a patented running equation of time and an impressive three-week power reserve, it is a testament to the harmony between art and science. Reflecting the region’s rich tradition of celestial navigation, the Celestia stands as a tribute to the stars and a symbol of the Middle East’s role as a crossroads of culture, innovation, and exploration.
From the infinitely large scale of astronomy to the infinitely small size of a minuscule watch component, the quintessential measurement of time remains a quest that has been constantly pursued and renewed by Vacheron Constantin for 270 years.
Arts and Culture - The Majlis
To close the experience, Vacheron Constantin introduces its first-ever Majlis, reinterpreting this iconic symbol of Middle Eastern hospitality. The space serves as a gathering spot for collectors, watch enthusiasts, and guests, offering an exceptional luxury experience in a setting deeply rooted in local traditions. In collaboration with local artists and Tashkeel, the Majlis highlights regional artistry and craftsmanship, complemented by a curated program and culinary offerings from local suppliers such as Emirati chef Mariam Al Mansoori for food and beverages.
Guests experience
This unique exhibition will be open to the public from February 21st to April 15th 2025, offering a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of Vacheron Constantin. To enhance the guest experience, an online platform has been created, allowing visitors to easily reserve and customize their journey. From exploring the exhibition and attending hands-on workshops to discovering the latest novelties and participating in special events, guests can select from a range of exclusive experiences to make their visit truly unforgettable.
More information on: https://www.vacheron-constantin.com/ae/en/maison/the-quest.html
