Vacheron Constantin’s Les Cabinotiers department has long been the brand’s playground for extraordinary horological achievements, where master craftsmen push the boundaries of traditional watchmaking through unique creations that exist solely to showcase technical prowess.
The latest masterpiece from this prestigious atelier, the Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface, represents the pinnacle of mechanical complexity wrapped in modern aesthetic innovation. This piece-unique timepiece combines three of horology’s most challenging complications – minute repeater, split-seconds chronograph, and tourbillon – while presenting them through a completely transparent sapphire dial.
Transparent Perfection
The 45mm pink gold case, measuring 16.4mm thick, provides the substantial foundation necessary for housing such mechanical complexity. Sapphire crystals on both bezel and caseback ensure complete visibility of the intricate movement, while the case architecture thoughtfully organizes the various controls.
The right side features a signed winding crown flanked by rectangular pushers, with the split-seconds mechanism’s single-pusher design creating a more elegant profile than typical split-seconds watches. The 9 o’clock side houses the minute repeater slider, completing the functional layout.
The transparent sapphire dial represents the watch’s most striking visual element. At just 0.5mm thick, this crystal surface features polished areas contrasted with frosted tracks for the registers, separated by thin pink gold rings. Strategic green accents throughout the dial and hands create visual connection to the matching alligator leather strap, while providing contemporary flair to an otherwise traditional complication arrangement.
Mechanical Poetry in 696 Components
The star of this horological theater is the manually wound Caliber 2757 S, a 696-component movement that demonstrates Vacheron Constantin’s mastery of complex mechanical engineering. Operating at 18,000vph with 61 jewels, this caliber incorporates modern materials like silicon for the split-seconds levers and insulator, while aluminum chronograph seconds hands reduce energy consumption. These innovations enable an impressive 58-hour power reserve (or 50 hours with chronograph running).
The movement’s architecture showcases thoughtful engineering solutions. Two separate column wheels control the chronograph and split-seconds functions respectively, while titanium gear train wheels and electroformed nickel-phosphorus components with optimized toothing profiles prevent hand shake during operation. The upper pusher manages standard chronograph functions (start, stop, reset), while the lower pusher exclusively controls the split-seconds mechanism.
Timekeeping regulation comes from a spherical hairspring within a one-minute tourbillon, visible through the transparent dial as it performs its mesmerizing dance. The power reserve indicator appears on the movement’s reverse side, viewable through the exhibition caseback’s large sapphire window. The minute repeater’s striking governor bears the engraved initials “JMV” – honoring founder Jean-Marc Vacheron – on the black NAC-finished bridge.
The Geneva Seal certification appears in relief on the movement, confirming the exceptional finishing and assembly standards expected from this level of haute horlogerie. Every surface receives appropriate decoration, from the polished bevels to the intricate hand-engraving that adorns various components.
As a piece-unique creation, the Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface transcends traditional market considerations. While similar complications from Vacheron Constantin typically command six or seven-figure prices, this singular timepiece exists purely as artistic and technical expression. It serves as both showcase of the brand’s capabilities and inspiration for collectors who appreciate horological artistry at its finest.
The Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface represents everything that makes Vacheron Constantin special: centuries of accumulated expertise, commitment to traditional craftsmanship, and willingness to push boundaries. In an era where many brands focus on market-driven designs, this piece-unique creation reminds us that the highest levels of watchmaking remain driven by passion for mechanical perfection rather than commercial considerations.
