Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Phoenix
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Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Phoenix

By patrick_y · Oct 12, 2018 · 30 replies
patrick_y
WPS member · Vacheron Constantin forum
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f ๐• in ๐Ÿ’ฌ โœ‰ ๐Ÿ”—

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! 

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The Discussion
DA
datograph
Oct 13, 2018

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

WA
Watchonthewrist
Oct 13, 2018

I like engraved watches and this one is sure on a other level . Thanks for sharing ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป

CP
Cpt Scarlet
Oct 13, 2018

but itโ€™s not a watch that would make my target list. Itโ€™s just to โ€œmore is moreโ€.

CA
CaptainNemo
Oct 13, 2018

... 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

PA
patrick_y
Oct 13, 2018

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!

PA
patrick_y
Oct 13, 2018

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 movement, nice case, and some really nice engraving...

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