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W&W 2021: Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Regulator Perpetual Calendar. Levels in So Many Ways.

Vacheron Constantin presents the Les Cabinotiers Regulator Perpetual Calendar unique piece for Watches & Wonders 2021. Just as if the new Les Cabinotiers ‘Planetaria’ wasn’t impressive enough, the oldest watch manufacture in the world drops this impressive complication cloaked in 18K white gold with a 42 mm case and a bezel set with 44 baguette-cut diamonds —approximately 2.9 carats. The delicately guilloché dial combines a technical display mode with an elegant reading of time. To lend depth to the delicately hand-engraved silver-toned guilloché dial with spiral motif, sparkling diamond and sapphire edging echoes the diamond-set bezel, in an alternation elegantly accentuating the various timekeeping and astronomical displays. The dial is set with 36 baguette-cut diamonds —0.6 carats— and 10 sapphires —0.2 carats.

This way of indicating time by non-coaxial markers dates back to the late 17th century. Through their observations of the sky and the path of heavenly bodies, astronomers soon realized the necessity of reliable and regular time measuring instruments. The Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Regulator Perpetual Calendar Moonlight Jewellery Sapphire watch echoes this layout, further enhanced by a perpetual calendar with precision moon phases as a tribute to the astronomical origins of regulators. In place of the small seconds hand, the 6 o'clock counter thus serves to indicate the date and the moon phases.

Perfectly illustrating the creative spirit of Vacheron Constantin, this unique piece edition has been preciously embellished by the gifted artist’s hands of artisans. On the dial swept over by white gold hands, the guilloché artist has created a delicate spiral pattern, enhanced by a row of 44 baguette-cut diamonds rimming the bezel. The silver-toned dial is also set with an edging of precious stones facing the minute track, a border composed of 36 baguette-cut diamonds, alternating with 10 sapphires positioned every five minutes. The spark of the sapphires is further accentuated by the two hours and moon-phase subdials, which adopt the same dark blue hue.

The noble distinction of this timepiece with its 42 mm 18K white gold case is perceptible even in the meticulous hand finishing adorning the movement. Powered by the automatic calibre 2460 RQP, this automatic movement is composed of 237 components and 27 jewels and it provides a power reserve of 40 hours when fully wound while beating at a frequency of 28,800 vph. The watch's sapphire case back reveals the delicate circular graining of the mainplate with bridges featuring the Côtes de Genève motif, as well as the subtle guilloché pattern on the 18K 5N gold oscillating weight.

The Les Cabinotiers regulator perpetual calendar Moonlight Jewellery Sapphire watch is delivered on a dark blue alligator leather strap, secured by an 18K gold pin buckle adorned with 12 baguette-cut diamonds.

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