Vacheron Constantin, the oldest Swiss watchmaker still in operation, has just unveiled the most complicated wristwatch ever made. Named the Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication, this incredible timepiece took eight years of research and development to create.
A Record-Breaking Watch
This double-sided watch has 41 complications (special functions beyond just telling time), including five never-before-seen astronomical features. What makes it even more impressive is that a single master watchmaker designed, built, and assembled it by hand.
The watch’s movement, Caliber 3655, consists of 1,521 tiny parts, all carefully assembled by hand. Assembling the movement alone took almost a year.
What Makes It Special?
– Five new astronomical functions, including a celestial sky chart that helps the wearer locate stars and constellations in the night sky.
– A Westminster minute repeater that chimes the time with four different tones.
– A Gregorian perpetual calendar, three moon phase indicators, a tourbillon (to improve accuracy), and world time display.
– It can even track three different types of time: civil (24-hour), sidereal (based on Earth’s rotation), and solar time.
Despite having so many functions, the watch is surprisingly wearable. It measures 45mm in diameter and is less than 15mm thick, making it much more compact than other ultra-complicated watches.
Innovations and Patents
Vacheron Constantin filed 13 patents for this watch, including:
– A “plug-and-play” system that makes servicing the watch much easier.
– A unique celestial tracker linked to the chronograph.
– Special dial layouts to ensure all functions are easy to read.
A Masterpiece of Watchmaking
Vacheron Constantin has a history of making highly complicated watches, but this one breaks all records. Previous models were much bigger and had fewer functions.
The Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication is a one-of-a-kind piece, though the brand may make a few more in different styles. As for the price? It’s a secret, but similar watches from Vacheron Constantin have sold for over $2 million.
This watch is not just a timekeeper—it’s a work of art, science, and engineering, proving once again why Vacheron Constantin is a leader in luxury watchmaking.