In December 2022, Vacheron Constantin celebrated the opening of its first boutique in Latin America, in Mexico City. Located in Artz Pedregal and focused on private bespoke appointments, it showcases both classic and high complication timepieces, alongside models new to Mexico.
Vacheron Constantin Mexico City boutique; photo by Omar Arceo, courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
Swiss Watchmaker Vacheron Constantin Opens Mexico City Boutique
While this marks the historic brand’s first store in Mexico, its relationship with the country dates back over 150 years. Founded in 1755 in Geneva, Switzerland, Vacheron Constantin expanded to the United States in 1832. It was a bold choice at the time that led the European company to position an agent in New York, reaching American customers in person for the very first time. The success of this international expansion inspired merchandising beyond the U.S. to territories nearby. A few years later, the haute horlogerie maker set its sights on Mexico, enlisting a Swiss correspondent to facilitate orders there starting in 1845.
Vacheron Constantin Mexico City boutique; photo by Omar Arceo, courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
“The Vacheron Constantin boutique in Mexico City celebrates the relationship between our maison and Mexico, which has existed for 177 years,”
— Alexander Schmiedt, Americas president, Vacheron Constantin
Mexico’s first order consisted mainly of hunter case watches, which guided Vacheron Constantin to design a durable and functional pocket watch, the Royal Chronometer. Its shape and materials were weather resistant, allowing it to operate in a variety of climates. The model’s success earned Vacheron Constantin a distinguished reputation in Mexico, resulting in bespoke orders thereafter, including one now in Vacheron Constantin’s private collection, signed by General Álvaro Obregón, the president of Mexico from 1920 to 1924. To date, Mexico and the maison have continued to build upon a successful relationship focused on artisanal craft, a respect for culture, and an honor for heritage. And now that relationship has grown into its first-ever boutique.
“The Vacheron Constantin boutique in Mexico City celebrates the relationship between our maison and Mexico, which has existed for 177 years,” said Alexander Schmiedt, Americas president, Vacheron Constantin. “We are delighted to welcome Mexican enthusiasts and connoisseurs to Vacheron Constantin’s world of haute horlogerie and tradition.”
Within Artz Pedregal—southwest Mexico City’s modern mixed-use retail complex, filled with luxury stores, green spaces, and more—Vacheron Constantin’s new boutique showcases the brand’s latest retail design concept with astute craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation. Here, it immerses guests in a lounge exuding warmth, with walls detailed in a red straw marquetry featuring Vacheron Constantin’s iconic Maltese cross motif. Between sleek black panels, wooden tables, and illuminated cases, an open table invites the discovery of timepiece collections, such as “Patrimony,” “Traditionnelle,” “Overseas,” “Fiftysix,” and “Égérie.”
The Patrimony Collection; courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
Inaugurating the space is a commissioned sculpture by the Mexico City–based artist Diego Rodarte, entitled Reconstrucciones. Known for his multifaceted visual practice that explores mediums like painting and sculpture, Rodarte has created pieces that highlight his Mexican heritage. Places, people, and recognizable objects that make up the country’s rich history and culture have been reimagined on canvas, carved into wood, and enshrined in gold, relating to religion, landscape, labor, and more. For Vacheron Constantin—his first brand collaboration—Rodarte was inspired by the company’s concept of “The Anatomy of Beauty,” an idea that encapsulates the relationship between the work of nature and man. He was equally inspired by his home country, and the Mexican art style of Arte Plumario.
Vacheron Constantin Mexico City boutique; photo by Omar Arceo, courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
Vacheron Constantin Mexico City boutique; photo by Omar Arceo, courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
Originated by the Mayans, Arte Plumario incorporates artistic elements such as Totonac clay masks and gold, symbols of craftsmanship in Mexican pre-Hispanic culture, incorporated with feathers to portray the beauty of nature and movement. Representing a connection between us and nature, the masks are prominently found in historic and contemporary Mexican art, showcasing affluence and craftsmanship, and traditionally acting as an offering to the gods.
Rodarte’s sculpture for Vacheron Constantin glistens in gold, with red and black feathers fanned out on either side. Totem-like with a carved face, and a hand and foot at opposite ends, it expresses Rodarte’s rich heritage and a connection between the past and present. The figure’s foot stands firmly planted in the ground, alluding to the strength of one’s origin and connection to the land; its hand reaches above its head to the sky for something greater, something spiritual.
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Here in the new Vacheron Constantin boutique, anchoring Latin America, creativity and innovation join for an impact beyond Mexico City. With boutique-exclusive timepieces, commissioned art, and an intimate atmosphere that envelops visitors in comfort and originality, it’s no doubt that Mexico will continue to build upon its history with the brand.
“The boutique, the very first one in Latin America, honors the maison’s mission to champion exploration, innovation, and human interaction—undeniably one of not many,” said Schmiedt.
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