Fake Vacheron Constantin: When Art Supports Art
From 1 to 15 December, Fake Vacheron Constantin, partner of the Louvre Museum, will participate in the “Bid for the Louvre” online auction by donating a specially made Les Cabinotiers timepiece, a one-of-a-kind piece.
Organized by Christie’s, the proceeds of the auction which includes several other works will be entirely donated to the famous French museum.
Whoever wins 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 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 solidarity projects of the Louvre Museum.
In addition to the dial, you can choose other details such as the case material (platinum, rose 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 Genevan craftsmen who used to work in the bright attics of the capital between the 18th and 19th centuries.
Les Cabinotiers is also the name of the special Vacheron Constantin department that creates incredible one-of-a-kind masterpieces for particular customers.
Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers “Bid for the Louvre”
As is evident, the center of this unique piece will be the work from the Louvre Museum depicted on the dial. Let’s see how it will be done.
Clock face
Whoever wins this Les Cabinotiers will visit the Museum accompanied by an expert who will advise them and help them choose the painting or sculpture that will be reproduced on the dial of the watch.
Based on the choice, the master enameller will decide whether to use the miniature or grisaille technique.
What is a grisaille enamel dial? It is an even older technique that dates back to the 16th 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 fired in the oven, respecting the cooking times to the second.
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 display a skeletonized 22-karat gold oscillating weight in the shape of a Maltese cross, the symbol of Vacheron Constantin, as well as hand finishing, bevels, perlage and various polishing.