Here's the new one-of-a-kind Vacheron Constantin Maître Cabinotier Perpetual Calendar Regulator ref. 4000C/000R-B121 right on time for the 2015 Watches & Wonders in Hong Kong. With this new watch —a unique-piece—, Vacheron Constantin showcases its expertise in creating original and exclusive calibers providing a highly specific time read-off. This exceptional timepiece is distinguished by its regulator-type display, inspired by the precision clocks used to adjust watches from the 17th century onwards. Along with this dissociated display of the hours and minutes, the 2460 RQP movement specially designed for this model also drives a major horological complication: the perpetual calendar. An elegant hand-guilloché dial accentuates the exclusive nature of this watch certified by the Hallmark of Geneva, crafted in keeping with the spirit of the 18th century Geneva cabinotiers.
Presented as part of Vacheron Constantin’s Maître Cabinotier collection composed of exclusive timepieces, the Perpetual Calendar Regulator watch features a specific regulator-type time display. Its mechanical self-winding movement, Caliber 2460 RQP, was developed, designed and assembled by the master-watchmakers of the Manufacture so as to offer a distinctive reading of the hours and minutes that effectively complements the perpetual calendar functions. An elegant hand-guilloché dial, reflecting the expertise faithfully passed on from generation to generation at Vacheron Constantin since 1755, endows the Maître Cabinotier Perpetual Calendar Regulator with a subtle aura of refinement, while its meticulous finishing enhances the perfect clarity of the indications. Created in a one-off edition, this prestigious timepiece harks back to the tradition of technical excellence and innovation cultivated by the 18th century cabinotiers. These highly specialised Geneva artisans in their attic workshops created authentic made-to-order masterpieces intended for prestigious customers from around the world. In harmony with this blend of horological prowess and extreme personalization, the art perpetuated through the Maître Cabinotier Collection by Vacheron Constantin is reflected in the highly exclusive production of its “Atelier Cabinotiers” which creates bespoke Haute Horlogerie watches.
The gold dial adorned with an opaline brown finish and a hand-guilloché motif provides a dissociated reading of time, swept over by slender leaf-type hands, “clous de Paris” hour-markers and Roman numerals. The fine guilloché pattern, epitomising the savoir-faire and creativity cultivated by Vacheron Constantin the domain of artistic crafts, calls for finishing work that is up to four times longer to perform and more demanding than on traditional dials. Complementing the regulator-type display of the hours and minutes, the perpetual calendar and the moon phases appear on a snailed counter at 6 o’clock, while the pink gold moon and silver dust stars are sprinkled across this gently spiraling finish. The pink gold-rimmed day of the week and month apertures appear on either side of the offset hours counter at 12 o’clock. The various types of finish —guilloché, opaline, snailed and circular satin-finished— along with the alternating presence of applied hour-markers, Roman and Arabic numerals, combine to ensure excellent readability of each separate indication. This distinctively designed dial frames a 42 mm diameter pink gold case that is water-resistant to 30 meters and topped by a concave bezel that accentuates the overall impression of slenderness.
Combining sophisticated technical content, contemporary design and delicate touches of artistic craftsmanship, the Maître Cabinotier Perpetual Calendar Regulator houses an exceptional mechanical heart. The new Caliber 2460 RQP was specially designed and developed by the master-watchmakers of the Manufacture in order to provide a regulator-type display of the hours and minutes. These indications are driven by a complex mechanism and the combination of complexity and original hour display has become an authentic brand signature. Its inherent originality is enriched by one of the most prestigious horological complications: the perpetual calendar, indicating the day of the week, the month, the date, leap years and moon phases. Comprising 334 carefully decorated components, this exclusive ‘motor’ beats at the frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and ensures a 40-hour power reserve. Mississippiensis leather strap in a shade echoing that of the brown dial. Hand-sewn and featuring large square scales, it is fastened by a triple-blade pink gold folding clasp adorned with a polished half Maltese Cross. Building on its originality and its technical refinement, the Maître Cabinotier Perpetual Calendar Regulator by Vacheron Constantin joins an exceptional collection of unique creations that are much sought-after among collectors.
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Technical Specifications
Maître Cabinotier Perpetual Calendar Regulator ref. 4000C/000R-B121
Movement: In-house Vacheron Constantin Automatic Calibre 2460 RQP.
27.5 mm (11’’’¼) diameter, 5.84 mm thick
Approximately 40 hours of power reserve
4Hz (28,800 vibrations/hour)
334 components
27 jewels
Indications Regulator hours and minutes indication
Perpetual calendar (date, day of the week, month, leap year)
Moon phase
Case: 18K 5N pink gold with a 42 mm diameter, 11.7 mm thickness and water-resistance tested at a pressure of 3 bar —approx. 30 meters.
Dial: 18K gold Brown opaline, hand-guilloché, 18K 5N pink gold « Clous de Paris » applied hour-markers, moon phase and counters frames.
Strap: Brown Mississippiensis alligator leather with alligator leather inner shell, hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large square scales with 18K 5N pink gold triple-blade folding clasp polished half Maltese cross-shaped.
Presentation box with watch winder and delivered with a corrector pen & a magnifying glass.
Other Specs: Unique timepiece «Pièce Unique» engraved on caseback.
