As Vacheron Constantin marks its remarkable 270th anniversary, the Geneva-based manufacture presents another of its most ambitious and technically sophisticated timepieces to date: the new Métiers d'Art ‘Tribute to the Quest of Time’, inspired by the recently released La Quête du Temps Mécanique d'Art Clock. This extraordinary double-sided wristwatch represents the culmination of three years of development, resulting in a horological marvel that seamlessly blends cutting-edge innovation with centuries-old artisanal traditions.
Exclusivity and Availability
La Quête du Temps Mécanique d'Art Clock has inspired the Métiers d'Art Tribute to The Quest of Time wristwatch, limited to 20 pieces. This double-sided timepiece features the new manually wound Calibre 3670 with 512 components and four patent applications. The watch displays constellations as seen from Geneva on Vacheron Constantin's founding day on September 17, 1755, complete with double retrograde time indication, power reserve, and 3D precision moon phase. Presented in an elegant 43 mm 18K white gold case measuring just 13.58 mm in thickness, the Métiers d'Art Tribute to the Quest of Time achieves remarkable wearability despite its complex complications. The Poinçon de Genève certification attests to the exceptional quality of finishing and technical execution throughout the 512-component movement.
Technical Innovation Meets Artistic Expression with Four Patent Applications
At the heart of this exceptional timepiece beats the entirely new manually wound Calibre 3670, a feat of miniaturization comprising 512 components within a 34 mm diameter and 7.8 mm height. What sets this movement apart is its groundbreaking approach to timekeeping display, offering collectors a choice between two distinct modes: continuous time display or on-demand activation via a pusher at 10 o'clock.
The watch's most striking feature is undoubtedly the golden titanium human figure positioned at the dial's center, whose arms function as retrograde hour and minute indicators. This innovative concept draws inspiration from Vacheron Constantin's 1930 "Bras en l'Air"—arms in the air—pocket watch while incorporating modern dual-mode functionality reminiscent of the celebrated Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar from 2019.
Vacheron Constantin's commitment to horological advancement is evident in the four patent applications associated with this timepiece. The new Métiers d'Art 'Tribute to the Quest of Time' offers the following complications on the dial side correlated to the four patent applications:
3D Moon Phase and Age: A spherical titanium moon with hand-engraved details and bi-colored PVD treatment, surrounded by an age indicator ring that rotates over a 29.5-day cycle.
Moon Correction System: Enabling safe manual adjustment of the moon display at any time without compromising the movement's integrity.
Double Power Reserve Display: A sequential indication system showing the six-day power reserve across two arcs, transitioning from 6-3 days to 3-0 days at the bottom of the dial.
Retrograde Governor: An ingenious solution addressing the synchronization challenges inherent in retrograde displays, ensuring perfect unison when both hands return to their starting positions.
Celestial Artistry, Historical Significance and Dual-Sided Complexity
The dial's astronomical theme pays homage to Vacheron Constantin's founding date—September 17, 1755—through meticulous attention to historical detail. Working in collaboration with astronomers from the Geneva Observatory, the manufacture recreated the exact constellation positions visible from Geneva on the day of the company's establishment.
This celestial vault serves as the backdrop for the central figure, created through a sophisticated blend of traditional crafts and modern techniques. The graduated blue background features metallization processes to create the star map, while the three-dimensional elements showcase exceptional hand-finishing techniques including engraving, sandblasting, and PVD treatments.
The reverse side reveals equally impressive complications, featuring a sky chart that displays sidereal time and tracks constellation movements in real-time with extraordinary accuracy—maintaining precision to within one day over 9,130 years. This astronomical function transforms the timepiece into a wearable planetarium, connecting the wearer to the cosmic rhythms that have guided human timekeeping for millennia.
The Quest Continues
The Métiers d'Art ‘Tribute to the Quest of Time’ embodies Vacheron Constantin's founding philosophy, echoing François Constantin's 1819 words: "do better if possible, and that is always possible." This extraordinary timepiece demonstrates that even after 270 years, the quest for horological perfection remains as compelling and achievable as ever.
For collectors seeking a timepiece that represents the absolute pinnacle of technical innovation, artistic expression, and historical significance, the Métiers d'Art ‘Tribute to the Quest of Time’ stands as an uncompromising testament to Vacheron Constantin's enduring excellence in haute horlogerie.
The Vacheron Constantin Métiers d'Art ‘Tribute to the Quest of Time’ is available in a limited edition of 20 pieces exclusively through the Vacheron Constantin boutiques worldwide.
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