The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/1285484
Vacheron Constantin's distinct style has made their business renowned in the watchmaking industry. Selmoni attributes this to numerous factors, particularly the company's usage of the Bella Figura, an Italian concept and style which combines "elegance, refinement, sophistication and a certain taste for classicism." However, Selmoni is also sure to credit the many hands involved in designing a Vacheron Constantin watch, such as the artisans, designers and crasmen. Vacheron Constantin watches oen call for ornate art, so "enameling, engraving, guillochage" (engraving surfaces with a precise, intricate pattern of intersecting lines) "and gem-setting are involved at different levels and into various elements of a timepiece such as the case, dial or movement." As a result, the master artisans and the designers collaborate at every step of the watchmaking process, ensuring their individual cras and talents can be harmoniously brought together, both "technically and aesthetically", into the final design. A personal, handmade touch is an essential part of Vacheron Constantin's watchmaking process, even though they use modern manufacturing techniques to adapt to the 21st century. Selmoni states the company is inspired by the phrase Haute Horlogerie (simplistically put, this phrase means "the high art of watchmaking", and a watch that possesses Haute Horlogerie oen should have a multitude of complications, or functions, as well as polished and precise decorations). To Vacheron Constantin, Haute Horlogerie means that even though their watchmaking processes involve modern machines and technology, "it is highly important for us" (the company) "to keep hand-made assembling, hand-made decoration on our calibers and hand- made finishings." "Since the 18th century," Selmoni says, "Vacheron Constantin has never ceased to innovate and create—without this perpetual quest for innovation and creation, we would not benefit from such longevity." Purchase your own custom made Vacheron Constantin creation at vacheron-constantin.com. Patrimony Moon Phase Retrograde Date V U E N J . C O M 37