Vacheron Constantin has always been a brand I have adored ever since I saw a Patrimony Chronograph a few years ago at Owen & Robinson, Leeds, England.
A brand that was formed in 1755 and is able to look back over more than 255 years of uninterrupted activity, could never be accused of being a passing phase or fad. This is a brand which oozes provenance from every pore.
This manufacture is a wonderful exponent of traditional craftsmanship synonymous with Haute Horology and corroborated with the Geneva Seal applied to the movements of its famous timepieces. However, innovation is another quality exemplified by this brand which has never rested on its laurels, continously seeking answers to questions few of us mere mortals ever thought of asking. This is watchmaking at the highest level.
A planned vacation to Dubai, seemed a good opportunity to familiarise myself with local watch Boutiques for a forthcoming area of our website specifically given over to detailing premier watch retailers from around the globe.
I contacted Vacheron Constantin and my approach was warmly received by the friendly Sylvie Michon. An interview with Mr Yassin Tag (Brand Manager, Middle East & Indian Sub-Continent) was arranged and I duly visited the wonderful Boutique in the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai.
As I sat in this amazing retail environment, I was struck by the diverse and extensive range of products stocked, from wonderful sports models such as the charismatic Overseas to the haute joaillerie pieces which were made to adorn the wrists of beautiful women with an eye for detail.
The Interview between Angus Davies and Yassin Tag
Angus Davies (AD) – Mr Tag, thank you for granting this interview, can you start by explaining a little of the history of Vacheron Constantin in the Middle East.
Yassin Tag (YT) – Vacheron Constantin has been present in the Middle East for a few decades now through its local partners. The region Royalties and clients are regular visitors of our historical boutique in Geneva during their summer vacations.
AD – What led to the opening of the Boutique in Dubai?
YT – For the past 10 years the regional role of Dubai as a business and tourist hub has grown tremendously making it the first business and leisure destination in the Gulf. Moreover, the retail environment has developed to become one of the most sophisticated in the world. Vacheron Constantin decided to be part of this adventure by opening with its partner its first stand alone boutique in the region in Mall of the Emirates in 2006.
AD – Can you explain to me the key differences between the Dubai market and the watches typically sold in mainland Europe
YT – Middle Eastern customers are always looking for exclusivity, limited editions, special precious material such as platinum and palladium. They like large case diameters starting at 41mm and complications. While rose gold is very popular, more religiously conservative clients will only look for Platinum and steel.
AD – We are sat in this beautiful boutique, surrounded by an extensive range of watches. Are there any unusual models in store including any specific “Boutique” models?
YT – Right now we have a very special watch which is the “Great explorer” watch with enamel “Grand Feu” dial.
AD – Do clients have to send all watches back to Geneva for service and repair? Do you have any local servicing / repair facilities?
YT – Since 2008 we have inaugurated a service center in Dubai, the watchmakers are trained in Geneva and are able to service the majority of our timepieces, whether it is for a quick service or a complete overhaul.
AD – As a self-confessed watch collector, I always gather non-watch related items to compliment my favourite timepieces. Have you any non-watch related items sold under the Vacheron Constantin brand name here in the Boutique?
YT – In addition to our watches we offer our clients a range of cuff-links that are exclusively available at the boutique. They are designed to match our different lines such as Patrimony and Malte. Very soon we will as well propose winding boxes for our collectors.
Other delights await the visitor to the Boutique
Mr Tag was being very restrained in mentioning only one watch. I could see a wonderful Platinum pocket watch, a Platinum Patrimony Perpetual Chronograph (limited edition of course) and some exquisite haute joaillerie pieces the epitome of the gem setters craft.
Personalise your own Vacheron Constantin Quai De L’ile
“Bespoke” and “personalisation” are two words often used at Escapement.uk.com and nowhere is this better exemplified than in the Vacheron Constantin Boutique in Dubai where a customer can use a hi-tech touchscreen device to configure their chosen model with numerous permutations to explore and create their very own special timepiece.
Conclusion
I recently gave an interview back in the UK for a magazine and was asked to specify my favourite watch, maybe with hindsight the Vacheron Constantin Perpetual Chronograph in Platinum would have been the answer I should have proferred. My enjoyment at merely holding this watch was accompanied with a broad smile on my face and created a delight which could only be surpassed by ownership.
If you are visiting Dubai, take the time to visit the Boutique, delight in the ambience, the models and the informed attentive service sadly lacking in many retailers of lesser brands.
Acknowledgement
I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the staff at Vacheron Constantin based in Dubai who assisted with this article and kindly supplied the imagery used; Sylvie Michon, Yassin Tag and Rémy Julia.