With the exhilarating bloom of spring comes an equally vivacious collaboration between the world’s oldest watch manufacturer Vacheron Constantin and the Metropolitan Museum of Art: “Masterpiece on your Wrist.”
The two luminaries came together in 2023 with a shared vision of preserving and protecting the past, present, and future of time-honored artistry with ambitious initiatives, educational endeavors, and artist-in-residency projects. This year, their mission continues to flourish as the legendary watchmaker invites clients from across the globe to imagine a single-piece edition Les Cabinotiers watch featuring an artwork from The Met’s enthralling collection.
Installation view of “The Temple of Dendur,” courtesy of The Met.
A Tour of The Met and Visit to Geneva Spark a Vivid Journey with Vacheron Constantin
The singular “Masterpiece on your Wrist” program begins with a private tour of The Met—guided by proficient curators and advisors—in order to select the piece that most beguiles. In turn, this tailor-made experience makes way for a rare visit to the watchmaker’s storied manufacturer in picturesque Geneva to connect with the esteemed Vacheron Constantin artisans who will design the bespoke watch.
Vincent Van Gogh’s “Wheat Field with Cypresses” (1889) rendering, courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
First unveiled to the world in 2019, the inspired program has offered its clients one-of-a-kind timepieces with enamel dial reproductions of resplendent artworks that reside in celebrated museums—now the tradition continues with the Met’s beloved artworks.
Masterpieces from Van Gogh and Monet are Brought to New Life as Inspired Timepieces
Winslow Homer’s “Northeaster,” (1895 reworked by 1901), courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
“To fully illustrate this vision, Vacheron Constantin and The MET have rendered four examples to showcase how masterpieces from the Met’s catalog could be realized in the ‘Masterpiece on your Wrist’ including paintings such as Wheat Field with Cypresses by Vincent van Gogh, Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies by Claude Monet and Northeaster by Winslow Homer or sculptures such as Diana by Augustus Saint-Gaudens, are offered,” explained Max Hollein, The Met’s Marina Kellen French Director and CEO.
Through the unparalleled and rigorous craftsmanship of Métiers d’Art’s miniature enamel painting and grisaille enameling, the great masterworks of our time are brought to effervescent new life. Van Gogh’s Wheat Field with Cypresses (1889), with its lyrical and reflective homage to Mother Nature’s tranquility, may be transformed into a moveable feast for the soul by way of meticulous hand painting and a parade of skilled techniques administered by only a handful of artisans.
Courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
In addition, The Met’s golden sculpture Diana (1893-94) by Saint-Gaudens, whose 13-foot iteration once steered the Madison Square Garden tower in New York, may energize life’s daily enterprises with the majestic, sculptural quality lent by grisaille and a shimmering chiaroscuro effect.
A Partnership for the Ages with a Commitment to Creativity and Artistic Traditions
“We are delighted to partner with Vacheron Constantin and are grateful for their support of The Met’s mission, which aligns with the esteemed watchmaker’s own longstanding efforts to celebrate creativity and preserve artistic traditions,” added Hollein. “We look forward to collaborating on a number of unique projects that build on our mutual commitment to education and the arts.”
Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ “Diana” (1893-94) rendering, courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
Courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
