Vacheron Constantin has gifted the Parisian museum a watch from its Les Cabinotiers collection.
The future owner of the watch can have any artwork they like from the Louvre collection reproduced on the watch dial, the only significant exception being the Mona Lisa. The watch will be auctioned off at Bid for the Louvre, which Christie’s auction house is hosting online from December 1-15.
The proceeds will go to the museum and be used to implement social and educational programs, while the Louvre remains closed given the current circumstances (at least until December 15). Vacheron Constantin's model is the only lot in the watch category, an honor the manufacture owes in part to becoming one of the museum's partners last year.
There are also some serious finds for those who appreciate true rarities among the other lots. For instance, you can purchase a private concert in your own honor in the Louvre's Salle des Caryatides, a miniature dress in a bespoke Dior trunk, a Louis Vuitton perfume bottle with your own signature fragrance that comes in a bespoke LV carrying trunk, a tour of the houses of Moët Hennessy including tastings of their exclusive vintages, and a handbag inspired by the Museum's Off-White c/o Virgil Abloh.
As for Vacheron Constantin's lot, not only does the future watch owner get to choose which motif will be "reproduced" on its dial, they also get to choose the case material (platinum, pink gold or white gold), strap material and color, as well as a personalized engraving on the hinged caseback. The watch will be equipped with a self-winding Caliber 2460 SC manufacture movement. The movement is certified with the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva, and has a power reserve of about 40 hours.
The artwork will either be reproduced on the dial using the enamel miniature painting technique or using the grisaille enameling technique. The latter approach — the Blanc de Limoges style of grisaille — has been used since the 16th century, and involves applying layers of white "Limoges" enamel onto a layer of dark enamel applied to a gold base. The watchmakers at Vacheron Constantin presented possible dial options before the auction, which each look incredibly exquisite.
You don't have to choose your favorite masterpiece before bidding. The new watch owner will be given the chance to enjoy a private tour of the museum to make their final choice. After Paris, the new watch owner will then also get to visit the Vacheron Constantin manufacture in Geneva, where they can take their time deliberating over how to personalize the watch's design. The estimate of Vacheron Constantin's unique lot has been set at 100 000-300 000 euro.