In 270 years of uninterrupted history, Vacheron Constantin Replica has always cultivated the vocation of perfecting the art of Genevan Haute Horlogerie. A transmission of savoir-faire and passion that takes place from generation to generation within the walls of one of the oldest watch factories in the world. From master engravers to watchmakers, they all contribute to passing on unique manual techniques such as engraving, Grand Feu enamel and guillochage.

The Les Cabinotiers collection, in particular, represents the pinnacle of this savoir-faire as precious as it is rare. Every year, unique timepieces are created that embody the creative heritage and continuous innovation of the Maison. The 2023 edition is no exception.

Les Cabinotiers Tourbillon Armillaire

The new Les Cabinotiers Tourbillon Armillaire – homage to Art Deco – reinterprets the spirit of a memorable era in American history through the excellence of high-end watchmaking. Made in a single example, this timepiece combines the refinement of the decorations typical of the art deco style with an avant-garde caliber with tourbillon that rotates on two axes and instantaneous bi-retrograde time indication.

The yellow gold case, finely chiseled by hand, presents a play of volumes inspired by the architecture of New York skyscrapers of the 1920s. On the skeletonized bridges, intricate black geometric patterns stand out in stark contrast. Thanks to guillochage, the laborious manual engraving technique that gives depth and perspective.

Innovation and tradition go hand in hand in the sign of an Art Deco aesthetic which in the Tourbillon Armillaire seems suspended in time.

Innovation at the Service of Tradition

The pinnacle of technical development has always been part of the soul of Vacheron Constantin. Already at the end of the 19th century, the Maison equipped its timepieces with complications that were revolutionary at the time, such as the chronograph and the minute repeater. Today this innovative spirit remains intact in his works and translates into the use of cutting-edge materials such as silicon and the creation of unique manufacturing movements.

This is the case of the caliber 1990 that equips the Les Cabinotiers tourbillon Armillaire. Protected by 4 patents, this manual movement features a biaxial tourbillon in the shape of an armillary sphere – hence the name – with a cylindrical hairspring. The mechanism has been further optimized compared to the reference 57260, the most complicated watch in the world, created by Vacheron Constantin in 2015.

The 45mm and 20 mm thick antique yellow gold case leaves no doubt about the non-European destination of this rare, unique collector’s piece.

Opinions

The 2023 edition of the Les Cabinotiers collection is proof of how the art of watchmaking is more alive today than ever. An expressive continuity that is renewed thanks to the ability of brands such as Vacheron Constantin to preserve their savoir-faire and, at the same time, embrace the most innovative technologies. Reinterpreting the American Art Déco spirit, the new Les Cabinotiers Tourbillon Armillaire embodies the perfect mix between heritage and avant-garde, tradition and future. Further information on the website www.vacheron-constantin.com.

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