December 5, 2012 – True to its mission to valorize the Métiers d’art, Vacheron Constantin is the main partner in the “Costruttori di Armonie” [Constructors of Harmonies] exhibition, dedicated to stringed instrument making excellence. For the launch, to take place on December 5, the Watchmaker proposes a prestigious concert with the Swiss Romande Orchestra. A special evening of discovery and emotion.

Sponsoring the “Costruttori di Armonie” exhibition, devised and created by the Cologni Foundation for the Métiers d’Art, the Antonio Stradivari Foundation, and the Giuseppe Verdi Symphonic Orchestra and Symphonic Choir of Milan, is a true privilege for Vacheron Constantin. This highly significant partnership is the expression of the watchmaker’s passionate commitment to defending the Métiers d’Art, privileged witnesses of human genius.

For over 250 years, Vacheron Constantin has constantly availed itself of the best craftsmen, so as to provide the very best in terms of the finishing and decoration of the timepieces it produces. The Métiers d’Art have shaped the Watchmaker’s identity, which today exemplifies this age-old savoir- faire and promotes the dissemination thereof over time. There is also a desire to introduce the Métiers d’Art to as many people as possible. This is the aim of the historical and educational "Costruttori di Armonie" exhibition, which provided an unprecedented depth of field on the School of Cremona, an absolute point of reference for all lute players the world over.

The exhibition is also of particular interest in terms of the history of Vacheron Constantin. A history that begins in the 18^th century and sees three generations of Vacheron before the association with François Constantin and his descendants. Then, the long journey to Italy, where the Watchmaker’s timepieces achieve much acclaim from a circle of true watch connoisseurs, among whom are members of the aristocracy. It was indeed on his return from Italy that François Constantin coined what was to become the corporate motto: “Do better if possible, and that is always possible.”

Vacheron Constantin wanted to involve the Swiss Romande Orchestra, a main partner over the last five years, in this celebration of music and friendship. After the exhibition launch, the prestigious Swiss formation will perform works by Ludwig van Beethoven, Ottorino Respighi and Félix Mendelssohn, under the authoritative direction of Kazuki Yamanda, guest conductor of the orchestra. The internationally acclaimed solo violinist, Vadim Repin, will play his 1743 Bonjour by Guarneri del Gesù on this occasion. At the end of the exhibition, the Antonio Stradivari Foundation will present him with a violin of inestimable value, for a concert finale in which time will stand still.