Vacheron Constantin is marking its 270th anniversary with Les Cabinotiers “La Quête”, a series of extraordinary timepieces inspired by astronomy, mythology, and heroic odysseys. The collection unites grand complications with métiers d’art, combining technical brilliance with artistic mastery. Each creation tells a story drawn from the cosmos or legend, turning complex watchmaking into an art form that captures both motion and meaning.
Every watch in the series embodies the Maison’s relentless pursuit of excellence, bringing together engraving, enameling, gem-setting, and miniature sculpture. Through these artistic disciplines, Vacheron Constantin continues to express its timeless vision — blending innovation with storytelling.
Masterpieces Inspired by Myth, Cosmos, and Heroism
The Les Cabinotiers Armillary Tourbillon “Myth of the Pleiades” draws on the Greek tale of the seven sisters transformed into stars. Crafted in 18K rose gold, the case required 450 hours of hand engraving in bas-relief to depict Orion’s pursuit, Taurus’s protection, and the ship Argos sailing across waves. Ten brilliant-cut diamonds symbolize the constellation’s stars. A bi-retrograde time display complements the kinetic armillary tourbillon powered by the hand-wound Calibre 1990, whose dual-axis cages form a Maltese cross every 15 seconds.
Equally remarkable, the Les Cabinotiers Cosmica Duo Grand Complication showcases 24 complications within a reversible 47mm case. The manually wound Calibre 2756-B1, composed of 1,003 components, took four years to develop. One face reveals a deep-blue astronomical dial with a sky chart and perpetual calendar, while the reverse side exposes a champagne-toned skeleton movement displaying solar and sidereal time, sunrise and sunset indications, and a moon phase requiring correction only once every 1,000 years.
The Les Cabinotiers Grand Complication High Jewelry “Moon Dust” merges high jewelry with haute horlogerie. Adorned with more than 365 diamonds, the double-sided white gold case reflects lunar brilliance through detailed engraving and guilloché work. Powered by the Calibre 2755 GC16, the watch integrates 16 complications including a tourbillon, minute repeater, and equation of time, symbolizing Vacheron Constantin’s mastery of both engineering and artistry.
Honoring Astronomers and Legendary Heroes
The Maison also pays tribute to great thinkers and mythic figures through several thematic editions. The Celestia Astronomical Grand Complication “Homage to Ptolemy” and “Homage to Copernicus” celebrate contrasting cosmic views — geocentric and heliocentric. Each 45mm case, one in white gold and the other in pink gold, features 240 hours of engraving depicting orbital systems. At their core, the Calibre 3600 movement powers 23 astronomical complications while maintaining an elegant 8.7mm profile.
The Homage to Epic Warriors Minute Repeater series honors legendary heroes such as Alexander the Great, Antar, Genghis Khan, and Sasaki Moritsuna. Each 41mm gold case houses the ultra-thin Calibre 1731, recognized for its pure chiming sound. The dials feature grand feu enamel paintings over hand-engraved backgrounds, each requiring more than 300 hours of artistic labor.
Finally, “The Labours of Heracles” series captures the strength and endurance of the Greek hero through four unique pieces. Each 40mm white gold case contains the self-winding Calibre 1120 AT with a satellite hours display. The enamel and micro-sculpted dials vividly depict Heracles’ battles, set against an engraved map of Greece. The finishing touches include an engraved 22K gold oscillating weight inspired by ancient Greek friezes, emphasizing the union of myth and craftsmanship.