A Complicated Mechanical Watch Befitting 260 Years of Heritage | VACHERON CONSTANTIN
VACHERON CONSTANTIN
A Grand Complication for its 260th Anniversary
In 2015, Vacheron Constantin, the world's oldest continuously operating watch manufacturer, will celebrate its 260th anniversary. As a prelude to this milestone year, a remarkable timepiece was unveiled at Watches & Wonders, held from September 30th to October 2nd, 2014. This is a breathtaking grand complication, featuring 15 functions and displays, a unique piece crafted with exceptional rarity.
Text by KAWADA Akinori
Intricate Mechanics Meet Grand Astronomical Displays
In 2005, to mark its 250th anniversary, Vacheron Constantin released the "Tour de l'Ile," hailed as the "world's most complicated watch." This ultra-complicated model, limited to just seven pieces worldwide and boasting 16 functions and displays, exuded a dignity befitting the anniversary of the oldest existing watch brand.
Ten years later... with the 260th anniversary approaching in 2015, the "Metiers d'Art "Astronomica" has been presented as a harbinger of this event.
It is a watch that embodies the spirit of the "cabinotiers" – the learned watchmakers of Geneva from centuries past.
The hand-wound Caliber 2755-B1 alone houses 11 functions and displays on the front of the watch. In addition to top-tier complications such as the tourbillon for gravity correction, a minute repeater that chimes the current time with beautiful tones, and a perpetual calendar that displays the date, day, month, and leap year, requiring no correction until the end of this century, it also features a power reserve indicator, equation of time display, and sunrise/sunset times tailored to the user's city.
Furthermore, on the reverse side, befitting the "Astronomica" name (meaning astronomy), four displays are arranged: a celestial chart, moon phase, sidereal time and minutes, and seasons and zodiac signs, offering a comprehensive view of the movements of the sun, moon, and stars.
This watch, with its intricate and grand mechanisms on both sides, features a movement, dial, and case that are exquisitely finished to match. Only one unit has been produced. Its unparalleled rarity and originality grant it an absolute value that compels watch enthusiasts worldwide to desire it above all else.
The movement powering this watch is the self-developed Cal. 2755-B1 by Vacheron Constantin. It has been awarded the Geneva Seal, a mark of its high quality standards.
The mechanical hand-wound movement, within a space of just 33.90mm in diameter and 12.15mm in thickness, incorporates 15 complex functions using 839 individual parts.
The case back bears an engraving indicating its status as a unique piece.
Metiers d'Art "Astronomica"
Case | 18K White Gold
Diameter | 47mm
Movement | Approx. 58-hour power reserve
Strap | Alligator
Functions | Minute repeater, tourbillon,
perpetual calendar (date, day, month, leap year),
power reserve indicator, equation of time,
sunrise time display, sunset time display, celestial
chart, moon phase, sidereal time/minutes, season/zodiac display
Water Resistance | Non-water resistant
Price | Undisclosed
Release | Undisclosed
VACHERON CONSTANTIN
Tel. 0120-63-1755
http://www.vacheron-constantin.com