Vacheron Constantin Commemorates Its 270th Anniversary With an Impressive Pair of Timepieces

Pravin Nair
Sep 17
2 min read

Both illustrate the Maison's expertise in haute horlogerie and beautiful craftsmanship.

In commemoration of its 270th anniversary, Vacheron Constantin presents two significant creations: the Métiers d’Art “Tribute to the Quest of Time” double-sided wristwatch and the singular La Quête du Temps Mécanique d’Art astronomical clock — both exemplifying the Maison’s fusion of haute horlogerie and decorative craftsmanship.

The "Tribute to the Quest of Time" wristwatch has the newly developed manually wound Calibre 3670, a remarkable achievement in miniaturization that contains 512 components and four patent applications within a 43mm white-gold case. Inspired by the Maison's legacy and archives, the design of the timepiece narrates Vacheron Constantin's enduring pursuit of perfection and its role in the advancement of timekeeping. The front dial features a golden human figure with outstretched arms functioning as dual retrograde hour and minute hands, which can be toggled between continuous and on-demand display. It is complemented by dual power-reserve arcs and a three-dimensional precision moon phase set against the Geneva sky of September 17, 1755.

Upon inverting the case, a sapphire celestial chart materializes, monitoring sidereal time and current constellations with an accuracy of one day over 9,130 years. This 20-piece set, featuring guilloché, engraving, and grand feu enamel, was developed over three years and offers a six-day power reserve; pricing is available upon request.

La Quête du Temps Mécanique d’Art redefines mechanical spectacle following seven years of interdisciplinary collaboration. The movement consists of 6,293 components, with 23 complications, seven horological patents, and a life-sized Astronomer automaton operated by 158 cams, all contained within a rock-crystal and lapis lazuli structure intended for the Louvre’s Mécaniques d’Art exhibition this autumn.

The Astronomer automaton, positioned above the clock, performs 144 distinct motions in three choreographed sequences, coordinated with a built-in mechanical music mechanism, while the two-tier pedestal beneath displays decorative cabochons symbolizing Earth and the planets. This contemporary "merveille" revives the essence of 18th-century timekeeping wonders, embodying Vacheron Constantin's persistent endeavor to harmonize human creativity with the universe.