Vacheron Constantin Debuts Record-Breaking Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication
Boasting an extraordinary 41 complications and 13 patents.
At this year’s Geneva edition of Watches & Wonders, Vacheron Constantin celebrates its 270th anniversary with a remarkable collection of timepieces that honor its heritage and horological excellence. Leading the showcase is the groundbreaking Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication, featuring an unprecedented 41 complications. The lineup also includes a trio of Traditionnelle Openface models with intricate openworked designs, the platinum Traditionnelle Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar and new limited editions from the Patrimony and Traditionnelle lines, all exemplifying the Maison’s dedication to innovation, craftsmanship, and timeless artistry.
Traditionnelle Openface
Crafted from 950 platinum, the cases of the new Traditionnelle Openface models feature hallmark elements such as stepped lugs, a fluted caseback and a slender bezel. The dials incorporate railway-style minutes tracks, faceted Dauphine-style handsand gold baton hour-markers. Its openworked design proudly showcased both technical sophistication and artistic refinement expressed through the Maison’s technical artisty in watchmaking.
Among the commemorative models, the Traditionnelle Perpetual Calendar Retrograde Date Openface highlights the new caliber 2460 QPR31/270, featuring complications such as a perpetual calendar and moonphase display accurate for 122 years. The Traditionnelle Tourbillon Retrograde Date Openface is powered by the slim 2162 R31/270 mocement with a tourbillon and retrograde date display, while the Traditionnelle Complete Calendar Openface integrates the updated 2460 QCL/270 caliber, offering precise moonphases and triple calendar functions. The sapphire discs on the openworked dials and vibrant blue backgroundsalso enhance legibility and accentuate the technical elegance of these limited-edition creations.
Traditionnelle Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar
A limited edition of 127 pieces, the Traditionnelle Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar comes encased in platinum with a diameter of 42mm. Similar to the new references above, this time-teller faithfully retains many of the classic features that define the Traditionnelle model. At the heart of the timepiece lies the manufacture caliber 2162 QP/270, a self-winding mechanism that combines two Haute Horlogerie complications: a tourbillon regulator and a perpetual calendar requiring no adjustment until 2100. Meanwhile, the Maltese cross-inspired hand-guilloché pattern on the dial and the discreet anniversary engraving on the caliber further accentuate the watch’s elegance, while its timeless proportions and refined aesthetic make it a true connoisseur’s masterpiece.
Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication
Boasting an extraordinary 41 complications and 13 patents, Vacheron Constantin’s Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication sets a new world record as the most complex wristwatch ever created. This masterpiece, the result of eight years of meticulous research and development, houses the innovative caliber 3655, a movement composed of 1,521 components, achieving an impressive feat of miniaturization within its 45mm white gold case.
Among its remarkable features is a minute repeater with Westminster chimes, secured by seven patents, alongside precise mechanisms for sunrise, sunset, equation of time as well as sun height — all managed via a multi-cam wheel system. The intricate dials include sapphire discs for moonphases, tides and zodiac signs, while the reverse side highlights sidereal time and celestial constellations. With its elegant double-sided design and exquisite craftsmanship – evident in details like aluminum split-seconds chronograph hands and ultra-thin sapphire components – the Solaria Ultra Grand Complication stands as a testament to Vacheron Constantin’s unwavering pursuit of excellence in haute horology.
Patrimony & Traditionnelle
Additionally, the Maison enhances its Patrimony and Traditionnelle lines with distinctive dials and refined finishings that honor its rich history and legacy. The dials feature a geometric motif inspired by the Maltese Cross – a symbol of precision and optimal performance – adding a modern aesthetic while creating captivating light effects with every wrist movement. Meanwhile, the casebacks showcase an exceptional côte unique finish on the bridges, achieved through meticulous machining and manual craftsmanship.
Complementing these details, the watches are paired with alligator leather straps, featuring large square scales and tone-on-tone hand stitching, secured with 18k gold pin buckles designed in the shape of a half Maltese Cross.
Les Cabinotiers – Tribute to the Tour de l’Ile
Vacheron Constantin celebrates its 270th anniversary with three Les Cabinotiers Tribute to the Tour de l’Ile single-piece edition watches, honoring the Maison’s historical connection to the City of Geneva. These timepieces highlight exceptional decorative craftsmanship and simplicity, featuring a refined display of hours and minutes to emphasize the artistic beauty of their dials.
Powered by the self-winding Calibre 2460, each watch showcases exquisite finishing, including Perlage and Côtes de Genève on the bridges and a hand-guilloché 18K 5N pink gold winding rotor. Bearing the prestigious Poinçon de Genève, these creations embody the pinnacle of Belle Haute Horlogerie and Vacheron Constantin’s dedication to artistry and cultural excellence.
