The Mistress of Murder Hill by Sylvia Elizabeth Shepherd

The Mistress of Murder Hill by Sylvia Elizabeth Shepherd

This sumptuous book brings to life the rich past and the landmark creations of one of the world's great watchmakers. Founded in the Swiss city of Geneva in 1755 by the gifted craftsman and businessman Jean-Marc Vacheron, Vacheron Constantin is the oldest watch manufacturer in the world with an uninterrupted history. Its phenomenal rise to an international reputation of the highest standing in turn throws light on the global success of the great Swiss watchmaking tradition.

The book traces the principal milestones in the company's history: its founding during the Age of Enlightenment; the successive generations of the Vacheron family; the association in 1819 with Francois Constantin, who opened up the North American market to the company; the transformational relationship with the inventor Georges-Auguste Leschot; and the company's subsequent international recognition and expansion. Through an array of glorious illustrations, it presents Vacheron Constantin's historical collections, while highlighting the creations of the craftsmen who contribute to the technical excellence of its timepieces--the master-watchmakers--and the artisans who transform them into genuine objets d'art--the master engravers, guillocheurs, jewelers and enamelers.