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Vacheron Constantin unveils a magnificent new grand complication

The Les Cabinotiers Cosmica Duo – Grand Complication is a one-of-a kind double-sided wristwatch with 24 complications, many of them astronomical.

What is the Les Cabinotiers Cosmica Duo – Grand Complication?

Vacheron Constantin (VC) launched the Les Cabinotiers Cosmica Duo – Grand Complication (“Cosmica Duo”) in November last year as part of its 270th anniversary celebrations. A double-sided grand complication with astronomical functions, it is part of a new series of Les Cabinotiers watches named “La Quête,”“which pays tribute to astronomy and the odysseys of ancient times.”

Why is it double-sided?

The Cosmica Duo is a double-sided wristwatch in a reversible case. There is no front or reverse side; each side displays different information, in addition to the chimes of the minute repeater – 24 complications in total. Side 1’s blue opaline dial displays the time, perpetual calendar functions, and the sky chart. Side 2’s open-worked dial primarily displays solar information.

What are the functions displayed on Side 1, the closed dial?

Image: Comprised of 22 parts, Side 1 features “blue opaline with circular satin-finished outer edge; blue mother-of-pearl inserts; opaline, circular satin-finished and azuré counters; lacquered 18K white gold applied hour markers.” Hands are made from 18K gold. The minute repeater lever is “specially designed and positioned in the centre of the case side to maintain the symmetry of the watch regardless of which side the wearer prefers.” 

Off-centred hours and minutes (home time). Day and night indicator (home time). Second time zone (orange hand). 24-city indicator (second time zone). Day and night indicator (second time zone). Perpetual calendar functions of the day, date, month, and leap year (on an 8-year cycle). Sky chart depicting the Northern Hemisphere with local horizon zone indication. Sidereal hours and minutes.

Also Read: Vacheron Constantin unveils a new classic perpetual calendar

What are the functions displayed on Side 2, the open-worked dial?

Image: Crafted from 28 parts, Side 2 is “open-worked with blue circular satin-finished and opaline outer edge; blue mother-of-pearl counters; 750/1000 3N yellow gold moons; lacquered 18K white gold applied hour markers.” Hands are made from 18K gold. The tourbillon cage is shaped in the form of the brand’s Maltese Cross emblem. Notice the minute repeater’s striking regulator at 8 o’clock – it “governs the striking of the gongs by the hammers.” The push-button in the crown is to set the second time zone.

Central hours and minutes of mean solar time or running equation of time. Sunrise time and length of day at 3 o’clock. Sunset time and length of night at 9 o’clock. Retrograde precision moon phase display at 6 o’clock. Tourbillon regulator at 12 o’clock. Power reserve indicator (orange hand) and scale positioned at 12 o’clock.

Just how complicated is the movement?

Image: Calibre 2756-B1 took four years to develop. It is based on the brand’s Calibre 2756 of 2020, whose base movement for the tourbillon and minute repeater have been modified, and “two additional plates have been almost entirely redeveloped.” One plate is for the perpetual calendar and celestial chart, and the other is for the astronomical functions.

The Cosmica Duo is powered by Calibre 2756-B1, an in-house hand-wound movement that drives the 24 functions, including the minute repeater. It measures 33.30 mm (diameter) * 12.45 mm (thickness). It is composed of 1,003 parts and 112 jewels. It beats at a luxurious rate of 18,000 vph or 2.5 Hz, and has a power reserve of (approximately) 60 hours.

Why is the Les Cabinotiers Duo – Grand Complication important?

Image: The Cosmia Duo is housed in a reversible case made from 18K white gold measuring 47 mm (diameter) * 20.20 mm (thickness). It comes with a “dark blue Mississippiensis alligator leather with alligator leather lining, hand-stitched, saddle-stitched finish, large square scales” strap that is fitted to a folding clasp made from 18K white gold.

The Cosmica Duo highlights a cross section of VC’s exemplary abilities – both aesthetic and technical – gained over its 270 years of existence. Adding astronomical functions to a classic triple grand complication (perpetual calendar, tourbillon, and minute repeater) is not an easy feat; yet VC has done so masterfully. This is watchmaking at the highest level.

Also Read: Kunaal’s top watches from 2025: A phenomenal horological year

How do I get one?

Image: VC is renown for its movement finishing; yet at this level of watchmaking the finishing promises to be unreal.

The Cosmica Duo is a one-of-a-kind or piece unique wristwatch crafted by VC’s Les Cabinotiers or bespoke projects division. I reckon VC conceived it themselves, rather than commissioned by a collector. VC might unveil other editions (different case metals and dial aesthetics) – depending on demand and specific requests. Expect to pay not less than USD$ 1 million (perhaps more).

Additional Details

Name: Les Cabinotiers Cosmica Duo – Grand Complication

Reference: 9780C/000G-087C

The watch is hallmarked with the Poinçon de Genève or Geneva Seal.

Price: Upon Request.

One-of-a-kind piece. “Pièce unique,” “Les Cabinotiers” and “AC” hallmark are engraved between the lugs of the watch.

Please visit the brand’s website and Instagram page for more information.