Introducing: The Single-Edition Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface
This little introduction article is going to leave you wanting more. No, I don’t mean the watch itself, the most impressive and one-of-a-kind Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface. I mean more pictures of this highly complicated piece of Haute Horlogerie with its open dial, subtle use of color, and the impressive caliber 2757 S. VC’s latest creation celebrating 270 years of the brand’s horological mastery is a watch featuring a single-pusher split-seconds chronograph, a minute repeater with a centripetal regulator, and a tourbillon regulator with a spherical hairspring. Sorry, but you’ll have to make do with just a couple of pictures and words about this unique watch.
The Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface (ref. 9750C/000R-215C) is a one-of-one timepiece and a high-horology dream come true. And since it’s a unique dream watch, the price remains a secret. The 45mm 5N pink gold watch combines the highest level of technical watchmaking and contemporary aesthetics rooted in a rich tradition that defines Vacheron Constantin. The 0.5mm-thick sapphire dial reveals the beauty of the in-house 2757 S movement, but because of its complexity, it doesn’t reveal too many of its micromechanical secrets. Upon closer inspection, the watch tells you that it is a single-pusher split-second chronograph with a minute repeater and a tourbillon regulator with a spherical hairspring. It also reveals fine manual finishing on all movement components.
The single-edition Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface
The combination of a minute repeater, a split-second chronograph, and a tourbillon regulator is rare for all the obvious reasons. The technical challenges associated with combining these major complications are massive. Luckily, Vacheron Constantin does have some expertise in this field, to put it mildly. The development and continuous research into new materials also help to build a watch of great complexity.
Caliber 2757 S has a 3Hz frequency, a 33mm diameter, and a 10.4mm profile. That sounds very thick until you realize that it also consists of 696 parts. One of the most fascinating ones is the spherical hairspring, which improves isochronism because of its shape. VC designed the split-seconds chronograph plate with an in-depth arrangement of its components to enhance operating efficiency while keeping the caliber relatively thin. Several wheels in the gear train are crafted from titanium or electroformed in nickel-phosphorus and feature a VC-unique toothing profile. This design enhances gear engagement, and it prevents any jitter in the movement of the seconds hand.
Contemporary touches include the use of aluminum for the elapsed-seconds hands and lube-free silicon for one of the rattrapante levers and its insulator. All the little bits help to create a power reserve of 50 hours with the chronograph engaged, indicated by a display on the back of the watch.
A centripetal regulator and spherical hairspring
The silent flying-strike governor of the minute repeater is also interesting. This component uses opposing centrifugal and centripetal forces to slow down the rotating speed of the governor’s rotating shaft. And when it does, it evens out the energy the repeater’s spring releases. An equally interesting component is the tourbillon’s spherical hairspring. This particular shape causes the spring to expand and contract concentrically, thus enhancing isochronism. As you can see, the cage of the one-minute tourbillon bears the Maltese cross. In case you’re not aware, this is VC’s famous emblem, and it acts as the watch’s running seconds.
I’m sure you would have appreciated (way) more close-ups of the spherical hairspring and the governor. Unfortunately, there aren’t any. Maybe focus on the pleasing aesthetic detail of the Temporis Duo Grand Complication. Please look at the use of olive green on the different displays on the dial, and notice the combination of a pink gold case with a green alligator leather strap. It’s contemporary and classy, if you ask me.
What do you think of the Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface? As always, please share your thoughts in the comments.
