Vacheron Constantin has once again pushed the boundaries of haute horlogerie, unveiling the world’s most complicated wristwatch — the Les Cabinotiers “Solaria Ultra Grand Complication” — during Watches & Wonders 2025. With a staggering 41 complications, the piece eclipses all previous records for wristwatches and redefines what is possible in mechanical watchmaking. More than a feat of engineering, this exceptional timepiece also commemorates the brand’s 270th anniversary.
Crafted over eight years by a single master watchmaker, the Solaria is not just a showcase of micro-mechanical mastery — it’s also a bold artistic statement. Unlike the 960g pocket-watch-style Berkley Grand Complication released last year, this new creation is a fully wearable wristwatch, boasting a relatively svelte 45mm diameter and 14.99mm thickness.
A Historic Milestone in Horology
The Solaria follows a lineage of groundbreaking watches from Vacheron Constantin, including the 2017 Celestia Astronomical Grand Complication 3600 and last year’s Berkley, which held the previous record for the most complicated timepiece. However, the Solaria distinguishes itself not only through its higher complication count but also by being designed as a fully functional wristwatch rather than a pocket model.
Its heart, the Caliber 3655, is a micro-engineering marvel. Measuring only 36mm in diameter and 10.96mm thick, it incorporates 1,521 components and 204 jewels, offering a 72-hour power reserve at a frequency of 3Hz. Remarkably, 13 of its complications are backed by patent applications, further underscoring its technical significance.
Compact Design, Colossal Engineering
Despite its complexity, the Solaria remains relatively refined in appearance. The dial displays 14 astronomical complications, five chiming functions, and a split-second chronograph that doubles as an astronomical tool. From a Gregorian perpetual calendar to sidereal time, the watch features layers of functionality that interact seamlessly.
One of the standout features is its celestial vault display on the caseback, showcasing real-time star positions above a user-selected city. The user can even determine the visibility of specific stars using the integrated chronograph — a poetic intersection of science and art.
The minute repeater mechanism, redesigned entirely for the Solaria, now incorporates steel hammers with gold accents, maximizing sound clarity and resonance. Vacheron’s novel approach to energy transmission, hammer alignment, and strike sequencing has resulted in seven separate patents for chiming mechanisms alone.
A Glimpse Into the Future of High Watchmaking
Vacheron Constantin refers to this inaugural piece as “the Premiere,” with plans to accept future bespoke orders based on the same mechanical platform. While every future iteration will feature the full suite of 41 complications, custom aesthetic modifications will ensure each remains unique.
Among the 41 complications are:
- 6 time-measurement functions, including dual time zones, world time, and a tourbillon.
- 8 calendar functions, such as ISO week and day counts.
- 3 lunar functions, detailing moon phases and tidal indicators.
- 14 astronomical displays, from solar declination to sidereal minutes.
- 10 additional functions, including chiming complications and chronograph systems.
While the Solaria Ultra Grand Complication remains priceless in both symbolic and monetary value, it is technically for sale. However, this masterpiece is more than a commercial offering — it’s a testament to the heights of what human hands can still create in the age of automation.
