270 Years of Vacheron Constantin Arrive in Shanghai

In honour of its 270th anniversary, the esteemed Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin presents The Quest: 270 Years of Seeking Excellence, an immersive and profoundly evocative exhibition celebrating nearly three centuries of horological mastery.

This extraordinary journey into the art of High Watchmaking is poised to travel across major cities worldwide throughout 2025, with its China premiere taking place from 7 to 20 July at Zhang Yuan, a storied cultural landmark in the heart of Shanghai.

Designed as an experiential voyage through time, The Quest invites visitors to explore the Maison’s legacy through an engaging narrative that spans heritage, artistry and innovation.

This multifaceted exhibition provides an intimate glimpse into the brand’s relentless pursuit of excellence, a value deeply ingrained in Vacheron Constantin’s DNA since its founding in 1755.

The exhibition is structured around seven thematic chapters, each offering a distinctive perspective on the Maison’s evolution and enduring values.

Visitors are guided from Vacheron Constantin’s foundational roots in Geneva to its forward-looking vision for the future.

Archival artefacts, historical timepieces, intricate movements and rare components trace the Maison’s remarkable journey of craftsmanship, aesthetic refinement and technological ingenuity.

At the heart of the exhibition lies the concept of a “quest”,; a symbol of the brand’s timeless drive for perfection and its transmission of knowledge across generations.

Each chapter reveals a different facet of this pursuit; from artistic crafts such as grisaille enamelling and guilloché, to cultural inspirations drawn from around the globe, particularly China, a country with which the Maison shares a 180-year connection dating back to 1845.

One of the most evocative elements of The Quest is its tribute to métiers d’art, the ancestral skills that remain at the core of Vacheron Constantin’s identity.

Visitors will witness the enduring artistry of miniature painting, engraving and gem-setting, brought to life through dynamic installations that reflect the passage of time.

Another highlight is the Maison’s celebrated partnership with the Louvre Museum, reflecting a shared commitment to the preservation of civilisational heritage.

Through the Métiers d’Art Tribute to Great Civilisations series, the exhibition pays homage to the artistry of Ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and Persia.

The chapter dedicated to High Watchmaking offers an in-depth exploration of the Maison’s most sophisticated complications and mechanical marvels.

A centrepiece of this section is Les Cabinotiers - The Berkley Grand Complication, a singular creation unveiled in 2024, composed of 2,877 components and 63 horological complications, including the world’s first Chinese perpetual calendar.

This immersive experience enables visitors to observe these intricate mechanisms in magnified detail, revealing the unparalleled technical artistry that lies beneath each dial.

The exhibition concludes with a poetic tribute to the intrinsic relationship between watchmaking and the cosmos.

Under a canopy evoking the Milky Way, guests are invited to reflect on their journey through time.

Each visitor may select a meaningful date and location to generate a custom sky chart, a personal memento symbolising their quest and the celestial essence of time itself.

The debut of The Quest in China takes place at Zhang Yuan, a meticulously restored Shikumen complex in Shanghai’s Jing’an District.

Once a cradle of cultural and architectural innovation, Zhang Yuan now serves as a fitting stage for Vacheron Constantin’s celebration of tradition and modernity.

This location echoes the Maison’s ethos: a reverence for heritage paired with a spirit of perpetual reinvention.

This Shanghai edition of the exhibition places particular emphasis on Vacheron Constantin’s enduring connection with China.

Bespoke creations that integrate Chinese cultural symbols with Swiss precision are on display, exemplifying a centuries-long dialogue between East and West.

From enamel miniatures to motifs symbolising longevity and prosperity, these pieces embody the Maison’s ability to bridge cultures through timekeeping artistry.

To commemorate this historic milestone, Vacheron Constantin is unveiling a series of limited-edition timepieces bearing the 270th anniversary hallmark.

Featuring refined geometrical motifs inspired by the Maltese Cross, these creations encapsulate the spirit of innovation and elegance that has defined the brand for nearly three centuries.