Vacheron Constantin, a luxury Swiss manufacture of prestige watches, recently hosted an event to launch its newest high complications and most unique pieces that are a part of the renowned “Atelier Cabinotiers” in Dubai, UAE.

During this exclusive global launch, a main highpoint of the spectacular exhibition was the showcasing of the Maître Cabinotier Retrograde Armillary Tourbillon.

In the wake of the most complicated watch ever made, the Reference 57260 with 57 complications, Vacheron Constantin unveiled the Maître Cabinotier retrograde armillary tourbillon model. This timepiece bearing the Hallmark of Geneva was produced by the three master watchmakers who created Reference 57260, and they incorporated two of the complicated features of the superwatch: the armillary tourbillon and the double retrograde indication.

Its contemporary styling opens the remarkable structure of the calibre 1990 movement to view. The high-precision manually wound movement is housed in a 45.7 mm case in white gold. Four patent applications have been filed for this unique model.

Armillary tourbillion

The lighting reaction of the retrograde hands contrasts with the statelier pace of the armillary tourbillon with a spherical balance spring. The elegantly structured tourbillon operates as a sphere perpetually rotating on two axes under a sapphire crystal dome at 9 o'clock. It’s called an armillary tourbillon because it is based on an armillary sphere like the one incorporated in an astronomic clock made by the French clockmaker, Antide Janvier, in the 18th century.

Double retrograde system

The manually wound calibre 1990 movement developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin features retrograde hours and minutes indications with instant flyback. The double indications are as technically fascinating as they are visually mesmerizing. The hands flick back to zero at such a speed that the special attention is needed to ensure a precise indication and such lightweight and resistant materials as the titanium used in the hands.

Contemporary styling and finish

Another feature that makes the Maître Cabinotier retrograde armillary tourbillon watch original is the modern styling applied to the architecture and finish of the movement. The calibre 1990 is electro-plated with an NAC treatment in a dark anthracite colour creating a mirror-polished effect. On the dial side the movement displays its modern architecture with sharply cut bridges tempered by a sunburst satin finish and Geneva stripes.

The back presents a more conventional look, finished with Geneva stripes making an elegant counterpoint to the contemporary face of this unparalleled watch in the Vacheron Constantin product range. As an additional token of excellence, the painstaking work of chamfering all the edges took more than 130 hours.
Maître Cabinotier 15-Complications Lions

Vacheron Constantin unveiled an extremely sophisticated Grande Complication wristwatch, equipped with an exceptional set of functions and featuring an entirely hand-engraved case with 4 lions on a savannah background. This impressive feat of miniaturisation, driven by manual-winding calibre, brings together 15 of the most demanding Haute Horlogerie complications and gives pride of place to astronomical functions.

Vacheron Constantin’s Malte tourbillon high jewellery, certified by the Hallmark of Geneva, brings together the magic of watchmaking and the mystery of gem-setting. Created by the Atelier Cabinotiers, this unique piece features an invisible settings entirely hand-crafted, dressed in 398 baguette diamonds and 36 yellow diamonds (totalling approximately 19.67 carats), creating a supreme illumination of time and of the tourbillon.- TradeArabia News Service