Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Phoenix

patrick_y · 2018-10-12T20:03:13Z

Explore the Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Grand Complication Phoenix, a unique piece showcasing exceptional hand-engraving and complex horology. Discover insights from its creation and collector perspectives.

patrick_y

WPS member · Vacheron Constantin forum

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Patrick_y shares an exclusive look at the Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Grand Complication Phoenix, a piece he encountered during a factory visit. His post highlights the extraordinary artistry and meticulous hand-engraving involved in creating such a unique timepiece. This article delves into the intricate details of its construction and the philosophical considerations behind its design.

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Vacheron Constantin is capable of a lot of incredible things. I had the pleasure to visit the factory earlier this year and I was mightily impressed with all the artistic savoir fair going on in the factory. I did stop by the engraving department where I saw them working on an incredible piece that I couldn't share with you due to confidentiality requirements. So sad, you visit the factory, but you can't tell anyone what Vacheron Constantin is capable of because the piece is already sold. Vacheron Constantin has decided to unveil an equally incredible piece to the public... The GRAND COMPLICATION PHOENIX...

Self explanatory; -15/+15 is obviously equation of times, Sunrise/sunset, perpetual calendar, power reserve (I think), and Tourbillon. The bezel twists to activate the minute repeater.

Star chart, moon phase, solstice indication (I can't tell if this is an active or passive calculator), zodiac chart, and sidereal time...

I imagine the feather detail took forever to engrave... It's a very high relief engraving! Gorgeous. Astounding! The engraver (one individual at Vacheron Constantin whom I had the pleasure of meeting) will work on this project for months. He will work on this project while working on other smaller projects. All together, a project like this will take a couple to a few hours a day for months. But the final product is a masterpiece. A gem.

It's incredible; all the pieces are given to the engraver who works on the watch case when its disassembled; so the engraver has the top bezel, the case, and the case back all dismantled to engrave.

Notice the feather detail is not fully achieved on the left side of the watch. The engraver is inserting the fine feather detail right now.

The details sometimes takes longer than the big picture... The feathers may take longer than the phoenix itself sometimes.

A very gentle polish on certain parts to bring out the light in certain areas. And then that's it... The master piece is finished.

Just an incredible work of art. I'm glad I had the pleasure to share it with you!

Key Points from the Discussion

The Les Cabinotiers department embodies individualism, allowing for unique commissions that align with Vacheron Constantin's brand values, though the extensive engraving on this specific piece might be 'too much' for some tastes.
A traditional Grand Complication historically includes a perpetual calendar, chronograph (often split-second), and minute repeater, designed to measure time at macro and micro levels, and communicate it audibly.
The dial's complexity, with its abundance of information, can detract from its aesthetic appeal, suggesting that a simpler timepiece with elaborate engraving might be more desirable.
Many Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers pieces are custom-ordered by clients, though the manufacture occasionally produces 'idea' pieces for public unveiling.
The case's intricate engraving is the true highlight of the Grand Complication Phoenix, even for those who may not require such an elaborate movement.
A collector envisions a dream commission featuring a stepped case with cow horn lugs, a flyback chronograph, perpetual calendar, minute repeater, moonphase, and a salmon dial, all within a platinum or white gold case of specific dimensions and powered by a micro-rotor movement.

The Discussion

jomni1

Oct 12, 2018

Wow. Looks great.

Fit for royalty.

patrick_y

Oct 12, 2018

Indeed... Vacheron Constantin has supplied many watches to Royals over its 250+ years of history! [nt]

datograph

Oct 13, 2018

Les Cabinotiers Atelier – the reason why I think Vacheron Constantin should be at top of the big brands!

If I had a half million to spend on a watch I would definitely order a customized watch from Vacheron Constantin.

Velociphile - No longer in the building

Oct 13, 2018

Yes, this type of work from VC leaves others standing [nt]

patrick_y

Oct 13, 2018

What would you get?

I would get either; 1, the new Traditionelle Tourbillon but in a beefed up case with some elaborate engraving; maybe one like this that has a dragon on one side and a phoenix on the other (or some other theme, maybe a Western theme). 2, a minute repeater with some sort of engraved case and also an engraved dial with a special motif and some enamel painting of the dial as well... Hmm, sounds like this year's Balloon watch!

datograph

Oct 13, 2018

Hard to determine the concrete look of the watch but here some lose thoughts...

Stepped case with cow horn style lugs. Flyback chronograph with perpetual calendar and minute repeater. Moonphase with day/night indication and leap year indicator on the backside. Grained salomon dial with blue heated or black coated indices and hands, railroad minute track and pulsation scale. All that in a platinum or white gold case with maximum of 40,5 mm x 13 mm in size and most important with a micro-rotor-movement. Hope that's not too much for 500 grand...

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