Three Exhibitions in Paris: Girard-Perregaux , La Montre Hermès, and Chaumet Open Their doors with Displays of Haute horlogerie, Sculptures, Exceptional Timepieces, and a Celebration of Love

Three Exhibitions in Paris: Girard-Perregaux , La Montre Hermès, and Chaumet Open Their doors with Displays of Haute horlogerie, Sculptures, Exceptional Timepieces, and a Celebration of Love

Adrienne Faurote
By Adrienne Faurote June 27, 2016

Girard-Perregaux is celebrating its 225th anniversary this year, and to show off its latest collections, exclusive timepieces, and more than two centuries of watchmaking history that boasts 80 patents is staging a temporary exhibition in the Atrium of the Printemps du Louvre.

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You can (re)discover limited Anniversary editions of the past, the Girard-Perregaux Constant Escapement L.M. in titanium — winner of the Aiguille d’Or at the 2013 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, and the evolution of the famous “Cat’s Eye”.   Also presented are the latest 1966 models in steel as well as “Stradale” timepieces from the automatic-winding “Competizione” chronograph collection launched this year.

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Atrium du Printemps du Louvre, Carrousel du Louvre, 99 rue de Rivoli 75001 Paris. Until June 30.

 

Hermès has just opened its “Crafting Time” exhibition, calling once again upon the talent of artist Guillaume Airiaud, to present five display areas inspired by the world of watchmaking. Airy and graphic sculptures composed of infinitely multiplied hollowed cubes convey five skills applied to the exceptional watches of La Montre Hermès: crystal art glass, enamelling, Haute Horlogerie, engraving and gemsetting.

Sculpture showcases for exceptional timepieces
Sculpture showcases for exceptional timepieces

Amid this fascinating and colourful stage-setting, unique timepieces are presented for the very first time. Shown here are: the ARCEAU Pocket ailes et écailles watch that combines the art of scarab beetle elytra marquetry with engraving and miniature enamelling;
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and the MÉDOR secrète watch that alternates between a sparkling cuff bracelet and a wristwatch.

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Hermès, 24 faubourg Saint-Honoré, Espace Horloger (first floor). Until July 15.

 

Chaumet has been celebrating life and love since 1780, with pieces created to commemorate happy events, both public and private, from elaborate ceremonial jewellery to the dainty discretion of a birth charm. These are one-of-a-kind creations made to mark once-in-a-lifetime events.

Forget-me-not watch Joseph Chaumet, 1908
Forget-me-not watch Joseph Chaumet, 1908

Following the success of the “Bucolic Promenade” exhibition in 2015, the High Jewellery House that counts Napoleon and Joséphine among its “famous couples” presents a second exhibit, Une Éducation Sentimentale, inviting us to discover Chaumet’s love stories over the centuries by means of a selection of historic pieces that sparkle with life.

Bowknot tiara in gold, silver, diamonds, pink topazes Joseph Chaumet, circa 1890
Bowknot tiara in gold, silver, diamonds, pink topazes. Joseph Chaumet circa 1890.

Glittering tiaras, the Liens necklace (already!) and the Escapade de Chaumet bracelet captivate.  We admire the Corbeille de mariage gifts that embody a fiancé’s commitment to his betrothed, and the “morning gift” traditionally presented just after the wedding night.

Also on display are contemporary pieces from the latest jewellery and timepiece collections, such as these 3 watches from the “Liens” collection.

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Chaumet, Musée Ephémere, 12 Place Vendôme, 75001 Paris. Until September 24.

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