A masterful creation blending horological innovation with celestial artistry
Vacheron Constantin, the world’s oldest continuously operating watchmaker, has once again reaffirmed its place at the pinnacle of haute horlogerie. This month, the Maison introduced an extraordinary pairing: a grand automaton clock and a métiers d’art wristwatch, both presented under the evocative title Tribute to the Quest of Time.
The wristwatch itself, a marvel of craftsmanship three years in the making, is a double-sided complication that carries four patents currently pending. At its core beats the newly developed manually wound calibre 3670, composed of 512 finely crafted components.
Time, Told Through Movement
On the front dial, time is expressed through a sculpted human figure whose articulated arms sweep across in a double-retrograde display. Collectors can choose to let the figure continuously trace the passage of hours and minutes, or, with a push of a discreet pusher, reveal the time only on demand — a poetic gesture that underscores the philosophical notion of time as both ever-present and elusive.
The deep navy dial echoes the night sky above Geneva on September 17, 1755, the date of Vacheron Constantin’s founding. It carries not only the double-retrograde arms but also a moon phase and a power reserve indicator, further weaving celestial rhythm into mechanical ingenuity.
A Celestial Backdrop
Turning the piece reveals an equally enthralling dial: a rotating sky chart that displays the sidereal day, complete with real-time constellation tracking. This astronomical dimension connects the wearer to the same stars witnessed by the brand’s founders nearly three centuries ago, offering both precision and poetry in a single glance.
Rarity and Legacy
Limited to only 20 pieces worldwide, Tribute to the Quest of Time is destined to be one of the Maison’s most coveted creations. Each piece embodies Vacheron Constantin’s dual mastery of métiers d’art and groundbreaking mechanics — an ode to heritage, innovation, and the eternal allure of the cosmos. Price, in true haute horlogerie tradition, is available only upon request.
