BID FOR THE LOUVRE: CONTEMPORARY ART, UNIQUE LUXURY PIECES AND ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCES SOLD TO BENEFIT THE LOUVRE SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
Paris | 1 December 2020
LOT 6 VACHERON CONSTANTIN: A MASTERPIECE ON YOUR WRIST
A Unique and Bespoke Timepiece VACHERON CONSTANTIN & LE LOUVRE
A unique collaboration between Vacheron Constantin and Le Louvre A unique Les Cabinotiers watch inspired by your favourite work of art among the paintings* and sculptures in the Louvre collection.
Stroll through the Louvre with an expert and, during this private tour, choose a work that is dear to you. The team of specialists at Vacheron Constantin will then translate the art into a miniature enamel or grisaille enamel, applying the artisanal techniques handed down from generation to generation to craft your unique wristwatch.
Your exchanges with the specialists will continue at the world’s oldest watchmaking house, where you will enjoy a singular experience in the timeless spirit of the Vacheron Constantin workshops. Meet the master watchmakers and accomplished artisans in their design studio, where excellence and tradition reign.
This exceptional timepiece is customisable and can be engraved with the wording of your choice. It will be presented to you at the Louvre, alongside your favourite work of art, a once-in-a-lifetime moment just for you.
*The only work which cannot be reproduced is La Joconde, Portrait of Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco del Giocondo, known as Monna Lisa or la Gioconda.
DIAL: Hand-painted enamel, depicting a color or black and white “grisaille” miniature reproduction of a masterpiece on permanent exhibition at le Louvre, at choice. Two enamel techniques at client’s choice: miniature enameling painting (colors) or Grisaille enamel (black & white)
CASE MATERIAL: 18K pink or white gold or platinum, at client’s choice
CASE BACK: Officer-style hinged case back, personalized engraving at client’s choice
CASE SIZE: 40mm diameter.
MOVEMENT: Automatic, with openworked 5N gold oscillating rotor
CALIBER: 2460SC
STRAP MATERIAL: Calf leather or alligator at client’s choice, personalized stitching and color
WITH: 18K pink gold or white gold Vacheron Constantin ardillon buckle, fitted presentation box. Certificate of Authenticity for the reproduction of the masterpiece issued by le Louvre. Certificate of Guarantee issued by Vacheron Constantin.
Poinçon de Genève Certificate €100,000-300,000 | US$120,000-360,000 | £90,000-270,000
Two private visits of musée du Louvre: for 2 persons and 2 hours, during the Museum’s closing hours Visit at the Manufacture: for 2 persons, including VIP lunch and one night in 5 stars hotel Travel cost (transport and administrative fees) to and from the visit locations are not included Valid until December 31st 2022 This experience was generously donated by Vacheron Constantin.
About the Auction
The Musée du Louvre and Christie’s, with the support of the Hôtel Drouot, are pleased to join forces to organise Bid for the Louvre, an unprecedented online auction. All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Louvre social and educational programs and the Studio, a new space dedicated to artistic and cultural education that will open in the fall of 2021.
For the first time, the Musée du Louvre is auctioning 24 exceptional lots: once-in-a-lifetime experiences at the heart of the Palais, bespoke services inspired by the Louvre, exclusive experiences created by some of the world’s leading luxury brands, and unique works of art kindly given by contemporary artists close to the museum, including Johan Creten, Candida Höfer, Eva Jospin, Jean-Michel Othoniel, Pierre Soulages and Xavier Veilhan. Some of the offered lots are quite unique and comprise world premieres such as the privilege of attending the annual examination of the Mona Lisa outside her display case, or the chance to walk through the rooftops of the Palais du Louvre in the company of the artist JR.
Virgil Abloh, multi-disciplinary creator, or Houses such as Cartier, Christian Dior Couture, Le Meurice, Le Ritz Paris, Louis Vuitton, Moët Hennessy, Parfums Christian Dior and Vacheron Constantin, are amongst the prestigious participants — all sharing a strong bond and special history with the Louvre, and heavily involved in the choice and design of the lots for this auction. Behind each work of art, each creation, each experience offered in this sale, there is the generosity of an artist, a partner company or a patron of the museum. Click here to browse the whole auction catalogue