Watches & Wonders: Vacheron Constantin’s Les Cabinotiers Collection Hits South Beach

The Valhalla of a high-end luxury good is personalization. Whether it be a bespoke Savile Row suit or a customized Gucci Ophidia tote, buyers with big budgets want things that are truly tailored to their needs and desires.


And the ne-plus-ultra of high-end goods is getting your hands on a unique, made-to-order luxury watch. In the old days, haute horology houses would wait for clients to come to them. But now, with a global economy and a booming growth in online retailing, smart brands are now bringing their one-of-a-kind creations to their customers.
 

As watch brands seek to attract new and loyal customers in new ways, this digital transparency is one way to get new buyers hooked. But there's no substitute for holding an elegant watch in your hands.



So in February, Vacheron Constantin set out on a first-of-its-kind tour of its Les Cabinotiers unique timepieces in the United States.  This tour was scheduled to make stops in Beverly Hills, Orange County, Miami (at Watches & Wonders), and New York.
 

This captivating collection features 20 unique watches showcasing a range of complications including perpetual calendars and armillary tourbillons.


We trust Vacheron Constantin to produce fantastic mechanics, but seeing the detail and sheer technique of such awe-inspiring artistic crafts as enameling, engraving and wood marquetry is the real magic of seeing these watches in person.
 

And that tradition carries on at Vacheron Constantin carries on today.



Of course, every haute horology house has its own codes. One of the specialties of Vacheron Constantin’s Les Cabinotiers collections is its finely detailed, hand engraved animal decorations. This year, the brand is showcasing variations with lion, tiger, eagle and snake motifs.
 

Again, these timepieces represent the collaboration between client and creatives. While each watch is unique, the artisans signature is apparent in the skill needed to execute these miniature portraits. To the owner of this bespoke piece, these animals are potent symbols of their own personalities or aspirations.