At the intersection of Greek mythology and haute horlogerie, Vacheron Constantin unveils Les Cabinotiers Le Temps Divin, an ode to time in its many dimensions. Inspired by Chronos, the deity governing linear and measurable time, the Maison pays tribute to precision, tradition, and masterful craftsmanship with two exclusive editions powered by the exceptional Calibre 1990.
This hand-wound movement, developed and manufactured in-house, offers a power reserve of approximately 60 hours and operates at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz). Its complexity lies in the inclusion of a bi-axial armillary tourbillon, a high-precision mechanism that counteracts gravitational effects through two interlocking aluminum cages rotating every 60 seconds. Additionally, its spherical balance spring, with no terminal curve, optimizes isochronism, ensuring greater chronometric stability. Time is displayed through a retrograde system with grade 5 titanium hands sweeping across a semi-circular scale adorned with Roman numerals for hours and Arabic numerals for minutes. This arrangement allows for intuitive reading while highlighting the intricate movement visible through the open-worked dial.
Aesthetically, Les Cabinotiers Le Temps Divin timepieces are true masterpieces. The Ode to Chronos edition features an 18K pink gold case, fully engraved with Greek-inspired friezes, complemented by a micro-sculpture relief of Chronos holding an hourglass. This embellishment required over 290 hours of meticulous artisanal work. On the other hand, the Tribute to Infinite Time version draws inspiration from the architecture of the Pantheon in Rome, showcasing an 18K white gold case with geometric engravings echoing its dome structure. In both models, the movement is adorned with a hand-guilloché pattern extending across the mainplate and bridges.
The innovative design of these timepieces is backed by four exclusive patents. The instantaneous retrograde system ensures that a single minutes cam perfectly synchronizes the hands’ jump at midnight or noon. The titanium escape collet enhances stability and regulatory performance by being made from the same material as the regulating organ. The architecture of the tourbillon carriage rotates every 15 seconds to form Vacheron Constantin’s Maltese cross emblem. Finally, the silicon pallet lever with diamond-polished pallets reduces friction coefficient and eliminates the need for lubrication, increasing movement longevity.
Each of these elements makes Les Cabinotiers Le Temps Divin a symphony of precision and artistry. Beyond technique, this collection is a philosophical manifesto—time as art, as an eternal legacy of humanity. With this creation, Vacheron Constantin reaffirms its position at the pinnacle of Haute Horlogerie, where the measurement of time becomes a transcendental experience.
Photos: courtesy.
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