News In the centre of Shanghai, in a magnificent private hotel with its own gardens, Vacheron Constantin now has a unique point of sale reflecting the manufacturer’s rich historical links with China.
Vacheron Constantin has recently opened a large Vacheron Constantin Mansion in China, right in the heart of Shanghai. Its official inauguration took place on October attended by Juan-Carlos Torres, CEO, Marc Guten, International Director, Yann Bouillonnec, Managing Director of Asia Pacific, and Charlie Lai, Managing Director Hong Kong China of Vacheron Constantin. Also present - and this was a first - were the heirs and direct descendants of the Constantin family, Jean and Odette Constantin, who, at the brand’s invitation, travelled from Geneva to cut the symbolic ribbon.
Around 800 guests – VIP’s, clients, friends of the brand, and journalists - crossed the threshold of 796 Huai Hai Lu, a prestigious avenue in the heart of the old French concession in Shanghai, to discover treed grounds laid out in the English style and, at the far end, the magnificent colonial-style villa from the Decorative Arts period - it was built in 1921 - that houses the Vacheron Constantin Mansion. Lovingly restored to its original condition, it has been modelled on, and inspired by the spirit of, its historical counterpart in Geneva, but at the same time respects its Chinese heritage and identity.
The Vacheron Constantin Mansion in Shanghai is not an ordinary boutique, but a unique centre for the Haute Horlogerie brand’s entire range of services and products in an area covering more than 600 square metres on four floors:
- On the first floor are salerooms with all the Geneva-based manufacture’s collections, as well as special enamel pieces from the Métiers d’Art collection inspired by the villa’s original stained-glass windows, and vintage watches from the Vacheron Constantin Collectors collection.
- The second floor is dedicated to collectors and after-sales service, with the only Vacheron Constantin Swiss Master watchmaker working outside Geneva, who shares with enthusiasm his knowledge and his passion of Haute Horlogerie.
- The Collector Salon provides watch collectors with a professional, yet confidential, sharing platform. Vacheron Constantin is the first brand in the industry in China to have set up a high-class watch salon within a boutique. It is not just a place to relax and share opinions on watches, it also provides a premium and thoughtful watch storing service for clients.
- There is a security room with safety-deposit boxes on the same floor, where customers can safely store their private collections. Each watch deposited here will be very carefully looked after and benefit from the brand’s finest technical skills and knowledge.
- A dedicated room for the Atelier Cabinotiers Special Orders Department for ordering unique pieces completes the comprehensive services offered by the Vacheron Constantin Mansion.
- At the very top of this magnificent villa lies a private room, bearing the Vacheron Constantin signature. Specially designed for guests to enjoy fine food and wines, a splendid view, and the peace of the English garden from the surrounding veranda in the ultimate premium atmosphere, this private dining room offers luxury on a new level.
Other exceptional facilities offered at this new benchmark address are the Kee Club restaurant, a very upmarket gastronomic destination, and the ShanghArt Gallery, a renowned centre for contemporary Chinese art.
January 12, 2009
