On-Demand Exclusivity

Vacheron Constantin’s Les Cabinotiers collection is the ultimate expression of the Maison's exceptional technical expertise and artistic craftsmanship. Allyson Klass speaks to the manufacture’s Style & Heritage Director Christian Selmoni to find out more

- Christian Selmoni

Les Cabinotiers is a division solely dedicated to the creation of extraordinary one-of-a-kind timepieces in the Vacheron Constantin universe. This dates back to the 18th century when master watchmakers – known as cabinotiers – worked in cramped workshops, called cabinets, located on the top floors of Geneva’s buildings that were bathed in natural light for a large part of the day. Inspired by astronomy, mechanical engineering and the arts in the Age of Enlightenment, it was in the hands of these gifted artisans and watchmakers where bespoke timepieces were created – mostly commissions by dignitaries of European courts to convey wealth and social standing.

While Vacheron Constantin has created custom timepieces throughout its history – American banker Henry Graves Jr and King Farouk of Egypt were known to be avid collectors of unique pieces created by the maison, it wasn’t until 2006 when its very own division of Les Cabinotiers was established.

With an aim to revive the great watchmaking spirit of 18th-century Geneva, the manufacture continues the tradition of offering its most affluent clients an opportunity to create and own made-to-measure timekeepers. Christian Selmoni, Vacheron Constantin’s Style & Heritage director, elaborates: “We have clients who want exclusivity in a watch that no one else on the planet has. We’re talking about customised timepieces which are considerable in value, so this is definitely not a client’s first watch purchase. Our clientele typically has good knowledge of Vacheron Constantin watches and they want to invest in a timepiece that is closest to their dreams.”