For over 270 years, Vacheron Constantin has pushed the boundaries of haute horology, and with the unveiling of Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication – La Première, the Swiss maison has once again set a new standard. Featuring an unprecedented 41 complications, this masterpiece is the most complex wristwatch ever created, embodying the brand’s motto: “Do better if possible, and that is always possible.”
A Breakthrough in Grand Complication Timepieces
Developed over eight years, the Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication is a single-piece edition that integrates 1521 components within its new manufacture Calibre 3655. Housed in a 45mm white gold case with a remarkably slim profile of just 14.99mm, this timepiece is a feat of miniaturization and innovation.
Vacheron Constantin has long been a pioneer in grand complication watches, dating back to the 18th century. From the pocket watch created for King Fouad I of Egypt in 1929 to recent releases like the Celestia Astronomical Grand Complication 3600 (2017) and The Berkley Grand Complication (2024), the brand has consistently combined aesthetic originality with technical ingenuity. The latest Les Cabinotiers timepiece continues this tradition by incorporating five astronomical complications never before united in horology.
Three Ways to Read Time
Calibre 3655 is designed to simultaneously display civil, sidereal, and solar time, each with a dedicated gear train. Civil time, based on International Atomic Time, is displayed on the front dial with central hour and minute hands, alongside world time and a second time zone. Sidereal time, which measures Earth’s rotation relative to fixed stars, is shown on the reverse side, while solar time accounts for variations in the Sun’s passage and is displayed through an equation of time indicator.
Innovative Astronomical Functions
Les Cabinotiers Solaria introduces five groundbreaking astronomical complications:
- Position of the Sun – Tracked on a rotating sapphire disc, showing sunrise and sunset times.
- Height of the Sun – Indicating the Sun’s altitude above the horizon.
- Culmination of the Sun – Marking the moment the Sun reaches its highest point.
- Declination of the Sun – Measuring the angle between Earth’s equator and the Sun.
- Temporal Tracking of Celestial Objects – A world-first function allowing users to determine when a chosen star will be visible in the sky.
Mastering Perpetual Calendars, Moon Phases, and Tide Cycles
The watch also features a perpetual calendar displaying ISO 8601 digital dating, a precision moon phase accurate for 122 years, and a mareoscope detailing spring and neap tides. A 24-hour GMT counter and world time display further enhance its functionality.
A Revolutionary Chiming Mechanism
The minute repeater incorporates a Westminster carillon with four hammers and gongs, designed for optimal sound quality despite the movement’s complexity. Seven of the watch’s 13 patent applications are dedicated to innovations in the striking mechanism, including an advanced selection method allowing the wearer to choose between different chiming modes.
Miniaturization and Aesthetic Mastery
With 41 complications in such a compact case, miniaturization was a key challenge. Vacheron Constantin developed a “plug and play” mounting system to seamlessly integrate the astronomical module with the base movement, ensuring precision and ease of servicing. The watch’s dual-sided design maintains an elegant, modern aesthetic, balancing functionality with refined craftsmanship.
A True Horological Marvel
Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication – La Première is more than just a watch; it is an artistic and technical tour de force that redefines the limits of mechanical watchmaking. With this latest achievement, Vacheron Constantin solidifies its place at the pinnacle of haute horology, proving once again that in the world of fine watchmaking, the pursuit of excellence knows no bounds.
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