Vacheron Constantin just broke another world record. This time, they’ve crafted a wristwatch with no less than 1521 components, 41 complications, and 13 patents. After eight years in research and development, the double-sided Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication is here.
Less than a year after it unveiled the world’s most complicated pocket watch, Les Cabinotier Berkley Grand Complication, Vacheron Constantin has broken another record. Well, how else would you expect it to celebrate 270 years?
Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication is a lesson in mechanical complexity and refined design. And, to be a little heavy-handed, it’s the coolest thing we’ve ever seen.
To put its 41 complications into perspective, it’s worth mentioning that Vacheron Constantin Celestia Astronomical Grand Complication and Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Ultra-Complication Universelle both have 23 complications, and the Patek Philippe Calibre 89 has 33. This latest achievement by Vacheron clocks up 1521 components, 41 complications, five rare astronomical functions and an innovative Westminster minute-repeater. The astronomical functions measure the position, height, culmination and declination of the sun, as well as the temporal tracking of celestial objects.
The minute-repeater? That’s a highly innovative chiming mechanism consisting of a Westminster carillon with four gongs and four hammers. We don’t use the term “innovative” lightly. Seven of the 13 filed patents were used on this. Some other patents include a “plug and play” mounting system that aligns and secures astronomical displays for accessible servicing, and a new system for universal time, separating local time from home time.
It’s a true masterpiece, powered by a miniaturised Calibre 3655. Remarkably, Vacheron Constantin fit all 1521 components into a compact construction. The watch is a very wearable 45mm, so it’s comfortable on the wrist.
Legibility was a major challenge in the development of the Cabinotiers Solaria. VC had to keep things readable despite the concentration of complications. Plays of white, black and grey provided the contrasts needed, and the strategic placement of the four counters on the front dial helps maximise visibility.
Up close and personal: The 41 complications
It’ll probably be a while until we get used to the fact that Vacheron Constantin has found a way to fit 41 complications onto two dials, without resorting to extreme sizes or overcrowded dials.
Here’s a rundown of the complications on the Cabinotiers Solaria:
Core Time Indications
- Day and night indication for reference city
- Second time zone hours and minutes (on 24-hour display)
- World time indication for 24 cities
- Second time zone day and night indication
- 3Hz tourbillon with silicon balance wheel (with high Q factor)
- Civil time display module coupled to the base movement
Gregorian Perpetual Calendar
- Perpetual calendar
- Days of the week
- Date
- Months
- Year indication
- Leap-year indication
- Indication for the number of the week within the year (ISO 8601 calendar)
- Number of the day of the week (ISO 8601 calendar)
Lunar Indications
- Astronomical moon phase and age of the Moon
- Tide level indicator
- Spring and neap tides indicate
Astronomical Indications
- Indications of seasons, equinoxes, solstices & astronomical zodiac signs
- Position of the Sun
- Sunrise time (according to the city of reference)
- Sunset time (according to the city of reference)
- Duration of the day (according to the city of reference)
- Equation of time on tropical gear
- Culmination time of the Sun (according to the city of reference)
- Height of the Sun above the horizon (according to the city of reference)
- Declination of the Sun, 3-dimensional Earth showing the latitude of the Sun in the Northern/Southern hemispheres
- Sidereal hours
- Sidereal minutes
- Astronomical zodiac signs
- Sky chart (according to the city of reference)
- Temporal tracking of celestial objects
Chiming Complications
- Minute repeater
- Westminster carillon chime (4 hammers & 4 gongs)
- Choice of hour-only or full chime
- Crown locking system during the chiming
- Double-stop hammer system to limit rebound and optimise transmission of the hammers' kinetic energy
Chronograph Functions
- Chronograph (1 column wheel)
- 60-minute counter
- Split-seconds chronograph (1 column wheel)
- Isolator system for the split-seconds chronograph
Additional Feature
- Power-reserve indication (outer disc at 190°)
And yes… it also tells the time.
Visit Our Store
If this watch has given you an itch to get another Vacheron Constantin on your wrist, you can browse the collection at Trilogy Jewellers. Otherwise, give us a call on 0203 929 8227 to ask about our next-day sourcing service.
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