Vacheron Constantin Showcases Swiss Watchmaking Culture in Beijing

While complicated mechanical timepieces put collectors and connoisseurs in awe, the art and craft behind are rarely unveiled for public viewing. The “Geneva at The Heart of Time” exhibition that just opened yesterday brought to light the sophisticated craftsmanship.

STYLE travelled to Beijing for the grand opening of the exhibition at Beijing’s Capital Museum China. Organised by Geneva’s Museum of Art and History and Swiss luxury watchmaker Vacheron Constantin, the exhibition, which runs until August 12, showcases 350 timepieces including pocket watches and clocks, as well as machinery and equipment.

The centrepiece of the 1,300-sq-metre exhibition hall is a reconstruction of an 18th century Geneva workshop based on a painting by Christophe Francois von Ziegler kept in the Museum of Art and History, Geneva.

Vacheron Constantin’s craftsmen were flown in especially for the event to demonstrate watchmaking, enamelling, gem-setting, engraving and guilloche work.

Find out more about the exhibition in STYLE’s May issue.