Introducing Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Unique Pieces

Vacheron Constantin introduces several new watches to its renowned "Les Cabinotiers" collection. Staying true to the artistic essence of this series, the Swiss Maison employs a variety of traditional dial-making techniques, resulting in exquisite, one-of-a-kind pieces. These latest editions draw inspiration from ancient Asian civilizations, spanning Japan and China, as well as Greek mythology, presenting a harmonious blend of unique artistic influences.

Each season is represented by a sacred animal from traditional Asian culture. In these cultures, the rhythm of the seasons and years holds profound symbolic significance, often tied to mythical creatures and zodiac signs. This concept divides the sun's journey into four sections of seven zodiac signs, each associated with a sacred animal: the blue dragon, symbolizing strength and power for the East and Spring; the vermilion bird, representing luck and prosperity for the South and Summer; the white tiger, embodying seriousness and courage for the West and Autumn; and the black turtle, a symbol of wisdom and longevity for the North and Winter. These mythical creatures are brought to life by master gem-setters, inspired by the murals of the Kitaura burial mound in Japan—a 7th-century circular tomb featuring depictions of these sacred animals.

The collection comprises four ultra-thin timepieces, each housed in a 42 mm case with a slim profile of just 11.40 mm, available in white or rose gold.

The Calibre 2160, measuring 5.65 mm thick. Operating at a rate of 18,000 vibrations per hour, it offers an 80-hour power reserve by a winding mechanism coupled to a peripheral rotor. This open architecture of the 188-component movement reveals the level of finishing applied to this High Watchmaking mechanism, with a circular-grained plate on the dial side and hand-bevelled bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève on the back. The gear train wheels are circular satin-finished, the screws chamfered and polished, while the tourbillon bar with its Maltese cross-shaped carriage bearing the small seconds indicated by a blackened screw is delicately rounded off by hand. 

Technical Specifications: Les Cabinotiers Tourbillon Ode to the Four Guardians “White Tiger” 

• Reference: 6040C/000R-155C 
• Case: 18K 5N pink gold, transparent sapphire crystal caseback
• Diameter: 42 mm
• Thickness: 11.40 mm
• Dial: Wood marquetry representing the white tiger
• Movement: Mechanical self-winding, Caliber 2160, in-house, 31.00 mm diameter, 5.65 mm thick, 22K gold peripheral oscillating weight, 188 components, 30 jewels
• Power Reserve: 80 hours
• Frequency: 18,000 VPH (2.5 Hz)
• Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds on tourbillon carriage 
• Bracelet / Strap: Dark red Mississippiensis alligator leather pink gold folding clasp
• Availability: Unique Piece
• Price: Upon request

Technical Specifications: Les Cabinotiers Tourbillon Ode to the Four Guardians “Vermilion Bird”  

• Reference: 6040C/000R-152C
• Case: 18K 5N pink gold, transparent sapphire crystal caseback
• Diameter: 42 mm
• Thickness: 11.40 mm
• Dial: Wood marquetry representing the Vermilion bird
• Movement: Mechanical self-winding, Caliber 2160, in-house, 31.00 mm diameter, 5.65 mm thick, 22K gold peripheral oscillating weight, 188 components, 30 jewels
• Power Reserve: 80 hours
• Frequency: 18,000 VPH (2.5 Hz)
• Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds on tourbillon carriage 
• Bracelet / Strap: Brown Mississippiensis alligator leather pink gold folding clasp
• Availability: Unique Piece
• Price: Upon request

Technical Specifications: Les Cabinotiers Tourbillon Ode to the Four Guardians “Black Tortoise” 

• Reference: 6040C/000G-157C 
• Case: 18K 5N white gold, transparent sapphire crystal caseback
• Diameter: 42 mm
• Thickness: 11.40 mm
• Dial: Wood marquetry representing the Black Tortoise
• Movement: Mechanical self-winding, Caliber 2160, in-house, 31.00 mm diameter, 5.65 mm thick, 22K gold peripheral oscillating weight, 188 components, 30 jewels
• Power Reserve: 80 hours
• Frequency: 18,000 VPH (2.5 Hz)
• Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds on tourbillon carriage 
• Bracelet / Strap: Black Mississippiensis alligator leather white gold folding clasp
• Availability: Unique Piece
• Price: Upon request

Technical Specifications: Les Cabinotiers Tourbillon Ode to the Four Guardians “Azure Dragon”  

• Reference: 6040C/000G-153C 
• Case: 18K 5N white gold, transparent sapphire crystal caseback
• Diameter: 42 mm
• Thickness: 11.40 mm
• Dial: Wood marquetry representing the Azure Dragon 
• Movement: Mechanical self-winding, Caliber 2160, in-house, 31.00 mm diameter, 5.65 mm thick, 22K gold peripheral oscillating weight, 188 components, 30 jewels
• Power Reserve: 80 hours
• Frequency: 18,000 VPH (2.5 Hz)
• Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds on tourbillon carriage 
• Bracelet / Strap: Blue Mississippiensis alligator leather white gold folding clasp
• Availability: Unique Piece
• Price: Upon request

Les Cabinotiers Le Temps Divin Greek mythology

The two editions are powered by Calibre 1990, a mechanical marvel featuring a bi-axial armillary tourbillon regulator system combined with retrograde hours and minutes indications. The dials, available in black or blue, owe their striking tones to PVD treatment for the white gold case and NAC treatment for the pink gold case.

Every surface of the case components showcases intricate craftsmanship, with the engraver adorning the bezel, case middle, lugs, and their sides with geometric motifs inspired by classical Greek friezes.

The manual-winding Calibre 1990 offers a 60-hour power reserve and integrates an instantaneous bi-retrograde time display. The standout feature is the bi-axial armillary tourbillon, equipped with a spherical balance spring. Time is displayed on the right-hand side via a retrograde mechanism, with grade 5 titanium hands gliding over a semi-circular track. This track, marked by Roman numerals for the hours and Arabic numerals for the minutes, is confined to a wide flange that partially reveals the intricate movement beneath.

Technical Specifications: Les Cabinotiers Armillary Tourbillon Tribute to Infinite Time

• Reference: 9890C/000G-151C
• Case: 18K hand-engraved white gold, transparent sapphire crystal caseback
• Diameter: 45 mm
• Thickness: 20.10 mm
• Dial: blue dial PVD treatment, satin-finished with circular satin-finished grey hour-markers and anthracite minute track
• Movement: Mechanical manual-winding, Caliber 1990, developed and manufactured in-house, 35.50 mm diameter, 10 mm thick, 299 components, 45 jewels, bridges decorated with hand-guilloché Clous de Paris pattern 
• Power Reserve: 60 hours
• Frequency: 18,000 VPH (2.5 Hz)
• Functions: Retrograde hours and minutes, small seconds on tourbillon
• Bracelet/Strap: Dark Black Mississippiensis alligator leather, white gold folding clasp
• Availability:  Pièce unique
• Price: Upon request

Technical Specifications: Les Cabinotiers Armillary Tourbillon Ode to Chronos  

• Reference: 9890C/000R-202C 
• Case: 18K hand-engraved pink gold, transparent sapphire crystal caseback
• Diameter: 45 mm
• Thickness: 20.10 mm
• Dial: Black, NAC treatment, satin-finished blue with circular satin-finished grey hour-markers and anthracite minute track
• Movement: Mechanical manual-winding, Caliber 1990, developed and manufactured in-house, 35.50 mm diameter, 10 mm thick, 299 components, 45 jewels, bridges decorated with hand-guilloché Clous de Paris pattern 
• Power Reserve: 60 hours
• Frequency: 18,000 VPH (2.5 Hz)
• Functions: Retrograde hours and minutes, small seconds on tourbillon
• Bracelet/Strap: black Mississippiensis alligator leather, white gold folding clasp
• Availability:  Pièce unique
• Price: Upon request

Major Japanese myth 

To embody this metaphysical concept of time, Vacheron Constantin showcases three symbolic figures. References to Japanese culture are not new to the Maison, as evidenced by numerous early 20th-century artistic crafts models, including a remarkable "Samurai" pocket watch from 1924.

The kami, depicted on the dials, are presented off-center. The gold dials undergo an initial engraving process before being handed over to the skilled hands of the enameller for the next stage of their meticulous creation.

Technical Specifications: Les Cabinotiers Ode to Izanagi

• Reference: 2400C/000G-160C
• Case: 18K white gold, officer caseback
• Diameter: 40 mm
• Thickness: 9.40 mm
• Dial: 18K gold, hand-engraved and hand-enamelled Grand Feu miniature depicting Izanagi
• Movement: Mechanical self-winding, Caliber 2460, developed and manufactured in-house, 26.20 mm diameter, 3.60 mm thick, 182 components, 27 jewels
• Power Reserve: 40 hours
• Frequency: 28,800 VPH (4 Hz)
• Functions: Hours and minutes
• Bracelet/Strap: Dark brown Mississippiensis alligator leather, white gold pin buckle
• Availability: Unique piece
• Price: Upon request

Technical Specifications: Les Cabinotiers Ode to Konohanasakuya-hime  

• Reference: 1420C/000G-162C 
• Case: 18K white gold, officer caseback
• Diameter: 36 mm
• Thickness: 8 mm
• Dial: 18K gold, hand-engraved and hand-enamelled Grand Feu miniature depicting Konohanasakuya-hime 
• Movement: Mechanical self-winding, Caliber 2460, developed and manufactured in-house, 26.20 mm diameter, 3.60 mm thick, 182 components, 27 jewels
• Power Reserve: 40 hours
• Frequency: 28,800 VPH (4 Hz)
• Functions: Hours and minutes
• Bracelet/Strap: Pink Mississippiensis alligator leather, white gold pin buckle
• Availability: Unique piece
• Price: Upon request

Technical Specifications: Les Cabinotiers Ode to Amaterasu

• Reference: 1420C/000J-161C
• Case: 18K yellow gold, officer caseback
• Diameter: 40 mm
• Thickness: 9.40 mm
• Dial: hand-engraved and hand-enamelled Grand Feu miniature, representing Amaterasu
• Movement: Mechanical self-winding, Caliber 2460, developed and manufactured in-house, 26.20 mm diameter, 3.60 mm thick, 182 components, 27 jewels
• Power Reserve: 40 hours
• Frequency: 28,800 VPH (4 Hz)
• Functions: Hours and minutes
• Bracelet/Strap: Red Mississippiensis alligator leather, yellow gold pin buckle
• Availability: Unique piece
• Price: Upon request

For more information you can visit Vacheron Constantin’s official website.