The unique timepieces in the latest Les Cabinotiers – Récits de Voyages collection exemplify Vacheron Constantin’s global presence. Dating back to the mid-19th century, the Maison, based in Geneva, ventured into Asian territories, establishing trade connections, particularly in China. The four Les Cabinotiers – Memorable places watches, boasting hand-engraved dials inspired by historic depictions of renowned architectural sites in the Far East and Geneva, showcase the excellence of the in-house Calibre 1120, a remarkable self-winding movement.
Vacheron Constantin – Far East and Geneva
During the first half of the 19th century, Vacheron Constantin underwent significant expansion. While establishing representation in Brazil, Cuba, and India and delivering watches across the Mediterranean, the Maison also explored the Chinese market. The mid-19th century marked a period of new commercial opportunities for Europeans due to increased international exchanges. Vacheron Constantin played a pivotal role in introducing watches to the Chinese market, contributing to the establishment of jewelry watches. Illustrations of iconic sites in the Far East and Geneva, including Angkor Thom in Cambodia and the Temple of Confucius in Beijing, served as models for the Les Cabinotiers – Memorable places edition. These timepieces pay homage to the longstanding connections with Asia, with the Tour de l’Île, Vacheron Constantin’s historical headquarters, also featured on a dial inspired by a period engraving.
Engraving in three gold colors
The dials of Les Cabinotiers – Memorable places watches employ a novel technique that blends engraving, and for two of them, a touch of damascening. Each dial comprises plates cut from yellow, white, and pink gold, intricately assembled to form the painting’s colored elements. Before assembly, these plates undergo micro-sculpture techniques and line-engraving incisions, a meticulous process considering the thinness of the plates. The reliefs, depth of field, and intricate details come to life through the engraver’s precise touch. To enhance realism, damascening is applied to specific areas, embedding pink or yellow gold into a white gold base. Enclosed in a 40 mm-diameter case in 18K 5N pink gold, each composition is framed by a slim, engraved circular ring, showcasing extraordinary craftsmanship.
A legendary ultra-thin movement, Calibre 1120
Vacheron Constantin has chosen the ultra-thin 1120 self-winding movement to power these watches, discreetly displaying hours and minutes with leaf-type gold hands. Introduced in 1966, the movement, measuring 2.45 mm thick and 28 mm in diameter, achieved the Maison’s goal of presenting an ultra-thin movement of strength and beauty. This Calibre 1120, bearing the Hallmark of Geneva, is featured in its original time-only version for these watches dedicated to historical architectural achievements.
Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers – Memorable places
Memorable places – La Tour de l’Île
Inspired by a drawing by French lithographer Auguste Deroy (1823-1906) from 1881, showcasing a realistic composition of La Tour de l’Île, Vacheron Constantin’s historical headquarters from 1843 to 1875.
Memorable places – Entrance gate to Angkor Thom
Depicts the southern gateway to Angkor Thom based on Louis Delaporte’s (1842-1925) depiction, featuring nine engraved and damascened pink, yellow, and white gold plates, requiring around 200 hours of meticulous work.
Memorable places – Old Summer Palace
An ode to the Qing Dynasty Royal Garden culture, inspired by an engraving from 1873, representing the Beijing historical Summer Palace with eight engraved and damascened pink, yellow, and white gold plates, involving more than 200 hours of craftsmanship.
Memorable places – Entrance gate to Confucius Temple and Imperial College Museum
A tribute to Confucian culture, inspired by Emile Thérond’s (1821-1883) drawing from 1864, showcasing the portico leading to the Temple of Confucius in Beijing, crafted from six engraved and micro-sculpted pink, yellow, and white gold plates.
Les Cabinotiers Récits de Voyages series
Vacheron Constantin’s commitment to perfecting watchmaking in Geneva while embracing global exploration traces back to its founders’ travels in the 18th and 19th centuries. Jacques-Barthélémi Vacheron and François Constantin crisscrossed Europe and beyond, establishing commercial relations in Central Europe, South America, Scandinavia, and Asia. The Récits de Voyages series embodies the Maison’s enduring spirit of travel, offering a horological odyssey through craftsmanship and mechanical artistry.
For more information, please visit Vacheron-Constantin.com.