During this week’s Watches and Wonders festivities in Geneva, the illustrious Vacheron Constantin raises the curtain on a parade of ambitious masterpieces. On the maison’s significant 270th anniversary, a vivid trio of single-piece Les Cabinotiers treasures salute to the house’s idyllic home of Geneva. Further, the house extends the red carpet for Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication—La Première watch, the most complicated wristwatch ever created. International collectors and enthusiasts will marvel at this contemporary fantasia of artistic innovation, technological prowess, and dedicated craftsmanship.
A Powerful Symbol of Geneva’s Commitment to Freedom by Les Cabinotiers
Courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
Commencing in 1755 with the signing of Jean-Marc Vacheron’s inaugural apprenticeship contract, Vacheron Constantin has continually paid homage to Geneva, its forever sanctuary. Now three single-piece editions illuminate the profound beauty of Tour de l’Île. This notable city landmark is placed at the heart of each dial in 40mm cases, designed meticulously by the revered métiers d’art atelier. Situated on a petite island surrounded by the Rhône River, the “Tower of the Island” is the historic remainder of a 13th century castle which was utilized to defend the fair city. Consequently, a meaningful inscription on each clock’s dial offers Geneva’s heartfelt proverb: “Post Tenebrad Lux,” which translates to “After Darkness, Light.”
“Because the Tour de l’Île is a powerful symbol of Geneva’s commitment to freedom, independence and progress, we wanted to celebrate this anniversary by paying tribute to the city where our Maison was born 270 years ago,” said Sandrine Donguy, Product and Innovation Director at Vacheron Constantin.
Courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
“We wanted to celebrate this anniversary by paying tribute to the city where our Maison was born 270 years ago,”
Sandrine Donguy
The compelling timepieces capture an image of the tower energized by an historic lithograph, and each hand-crafted dial is unique. A miniature Grand Feu enamel painted dial radiates in pastel hues, caressed by a 950-platinum case. Another platinum iteration imaginatively fuses together hypnotic guilloché and Grand Feu enamel. Finally, the third edition takes the cake in an engraved 18k pink gold dial, combined lavishly with a pink gold case. In a graceful and classic presentation by Atelier Cabinotiers, a straightforward hours and minutes display allows the artistic flourishes to charm any lucky wearer. The reverse side of the watch is equally immersive, where an officer-style caseback and ethereal sapphire crystal provides study of the watch’s skillful movement.
The Most Complicated Wristwatch in Horological History, by Vacheron Constantin
Courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
Watch connoisseurs will be over the moon for Vacheron Constantin’s new world record, a magnum opus of ingenuity and miniaturisation: Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication—La Première watch. A parade of 41 watchmaking complications, five rare astronomical complications (not to mention a world’s first), join forces with one novel Westminster minute repeater. 1521 components unfurl as a feast for the eyes, and within eight dedicated years of development, 13 patent applications were filed for this tremendous, contemporary work of art.
“A single watchmaker is behind the entire project of Les Cabinotiers Solaria. He designed the movement, imagined the case—which is a direct response to the movement architecture—and guided the choice of finishes to be applied to every element,” said Christian Selmoni, Style and Heritage Director at Vacheron Constantin.
Courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
“A single watchmaker is behind the entire project of Les Cabinotiers Solaria,”
Christian Selmoni
The house’s glowing 270 year history is fully embodied within the most complicated wristwatch in horological history. Across the timepiece’s sophisticated face, black and white performs nobly alongside dashes of grey. Lustrous finishes including sunburst, sandblasted, and circular satin-polished are enhanced by white gold indexes, sealed with rhodium plating and satin finishing. A black calfskin leather strap boasts a textured effect, and an 18k white gold folding buckle is as secure as it is refined. The watch’s reverse side is a feat unto itself, where a sapphire crystal caseback serves as a portal to display the magnificent constellations, keeping you in perfect accord with the mighty universe, à la Vacheron Constantin.
Courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
