Geneva-based Vacheron Constantin is known for unique and bespoke models made by Les Cabinotiers department, whose engineers, designers, watchmakers and craftsmen have created another masterpiece featuring 15 functions.
Named Les Cabinotiers Grand Complication Phoenix, the model is an impressive prelude to the SIHH 2019 watch fair, which will be held in Geneva next week.
Les Cabinotiers Grand Complication Phoenix with two faces.
The watchmaking department itself is named after an elite of horologists, who in the 18th century worked in so-called cabinets bathed in natural light, on the top floor of buildings in Geneva. Their deft hands crafted exceptional timepieces of rare technical and aesthetic complexity, inspired by astronomy, science and the arts.
Founded in 1755, Vacheron Constantin is the oldest watch manufacturer in continuous operation. Its 260th anniversary in 2015 was marked by a complicated timepiece with 57 complications, presented as a pocket watch with two faces.
Likewise, Les Cabinotiers Grand Complication Phoenix boasts two slate-grey opaline dials that accommodate the 15 complications, such as minute repeater, tourbillion, perpetual calendar, equation of time, sunrise and sunset time, age and phases of the Moon and striking mechanism torque.
Because of limited space, the watchmakers worked on miniaturising all components, without compromising the performance of the grand complication, whose multiple functions are driven by manual-winding Calibre 2755 developed and manufactured by the Swiss maison.
The watch's aesthetics is highlighted by engraving on the 47mm pink gold case. Pounced ornament or bas-relief technique is used for the case-band hand-engraved with a phoenix sculpture, while fine-line engraving gives an ornamental pattern on the bezel and caseback.
At least a decade's experience is required to sculpt gold to create such a three-dimensional effect, in a process involving 300 hours of patient craftsmanship.
According to legend, the phoenix braved the cycle of life and death by setting itself on fire and rising from its ashes every 500 years. The symbol of immortality inspired Les Cabinotiers department to materialise the one-of-a kind model, presented in a winder box that ensures precision and prolongs its life.
