patrick_y
[PuristSPro Moderator]
28237
Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Grand Complication Phoenix
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!
Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Grand Complication Phoenix
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 ...
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.
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 ...
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, r...
Seems like you want a "traditional Grand Complication" timepiece...
The traditional Grand Complication was to achieve 1, perpetual calendar; 2, chronograph (usually split second); 3, Minute repeater. The idea was the Grand Complication would be able to measure time at length/macro (perpetual calendar), measure time in mic...
Although Patek Philippe is one of the few big watchmakers that has some unique case designs like 5531, 5320 and 5207...
... I had something brand specific in mind like the triple godron style case from the Historiques Calendrier Complet – not everyones taste but I'm very open to such things! I didn't know the correct word in the first place; sorry for the miscommunication....
I totally understand...
Sounds like it'd be a great watch! I hope you have a very very very good year and that your dream one day comes true!
If the Porsche could talk...
If the Porsche could talk, it'd rev its engine and raise its wing with approval!
I agree... the movement is already quite something!
The movement is astounding, although I'm not in need of such an elaborate movement. I'll just take the Minute Repeater thank you. But the case is the real stand out here. What an amazing case!
Wow it sure is a amazing piece of art 👌🏻
I like engraved watches and this one is sure on a other level . Thanks for sharing 🙏🏻
Dial isn't as beautiful as the rest of the watch...
The aperture and dial configuration isn't as beautiful as the rest of the watch. That's where the magic is a little lost. Imagine... A Traditionelle Tourbillon in an extra large case with a Phoenix on one side and a dragon on the other... Nice dial, nice ...
Incredible craftsmanship from VC...
but it’s not a watch that would make my target list. It’s just to “more is more”.
I can see where you're coming from...
I can't say I always find the dial of this piece to be "beautiful" as it's got too much information to convey. What might be better would be a simpler timepiece like the Traditionelle Tourbillon with a bulked up case that would feature these elaborate eng...
WoW! Incredible fine art of watchmaking ...
... that makes me stunning. Did VC build this art on a special customer order? Honestly, this "poor" watch will most likely never see sun :-( Wish this watch could have some air time at a wrist, best, Holger
Generally all Les Cabinotiers timepieces are custom ordered...
Every now and then, Vacheron Constantin will have an "idea" for a piece and put it into production; but generally everything is custom ordered usually by the buyer him/herself. If I were the owner of this timepiece, I'd wear it. Very carefully of course!
Vacheron Constantin on Top of Haute Horology
No wonder no other brand can match Vacheron Constantin , even Independents .
This is a really special piece...
I love the case... And seeing it in the factory as it was being produced was amazing.
Superb and too much
As some of you may know, I’m s huge fan of the VC brand. I love it’s history, culture, craftsmanship and yet at same I live its ability to adapt to pave new roads The Cabinotier department is something unique in itself. I had the pleasure of meeting some ...
