Vacheron Constantin (VC) has unveiled the Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface, a sensational watch that incorporates a split-seconds chronograph, a minute repeater, and a tourbillon. A single-piece edition, it is the creation of VC’s Les Cabinotiers department that specialises in bespoke and custom order pieces such as the Les Cabinotiers Solaria which we featured recently.
Image: Les Cabinotiers Solaria, the most complicated wristwatch with 41 complications.
We take a close look at the Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface.
Key Features
Image: I love the subtle green elements on the open face dial.
Functions and Operation
Hours and minutes displayed on subdial between 9 and 10 o’clock.
Small seconds on tourbillon at 6 o’clock.
Chronograph functions: Central chronograph hand. Central split-seconds chronograph hand. 30-minute counter on subdial between 1 and 2 o’clock.
Pusher at 2 o’clock: Chronograph start / stop / reset.
Pusher at 4 o’clock: Split-seconds stop / reset.
“Pressing the latter stops the second hand at an intermediate time while the first hand continues its course. When pressed again, the split-seconds hand instantly joins the first hand in the time countdown.”
Minute repeater. Activated by a slide on the left side of the case.
Tourbillon at 6 o’clock.
Power reserve indicator on the reverse side of the watch.
Crown at 3 o’clock for winding and time setting.
Dial
Image: PVD-coated aluminium chronograph hands.
Open face dial made from a 0.50 mm thick sapphire crystal.
Hours, minutes, and small seconds hands are made from 18K 5N pink gold.
Green-coloured chronograph seconds hands and 30-minute counter hand are made from PVD coated-aluminium.
“It is distinguished by a highly complex mix of finishes: polished and frosted surfaces alternate on the counters, which are encircled by rings in 5N gold, applied by metallisation on the underside of the sapphire discs; the hour markers are treated with grey NAC and the chronograph markers are engraved and inked.
Movement
Left: Base with minute repeater and tourbillon with spherical hairspring. Right: Chronograph and Split-seconds chronograph plate.
Powered by calibre 2757 S, a mechanical manual-winding movement that was designed and crafted by VC. It drives the hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph and split-seconds chronograph, minute repeater, tourbillon, and power reserve indicator.
Diameter: 33.30 mm. Thickness: 10.40 mm. Parts: 696. Jewels: 61. Frequency: 18,000 vph or 2.5 Hz. Power reserve: 58 hours (approximately).
Movement Features
Image: Three of the most complex horological complications coming together.
The chronograph measurements are accurate to 1/5th of a second. Due to the high-precision required for both chronograph and split-seconds chronograph functions, the movement features 2 column wheels: one for the chronograph and the other for the split-seconds chronograph hand.
The chronograph hands are made from aluminium because it is a rigid and ultra-light material. One of the split-seconds lever and its insulator are made from silicon – an ultra-light material that does not require any lubrication.
“These savings in component weight and friction reduce the loss of energy amplitude from the barrel. This contributes to a comfortable power reserve of 50 hours with the chronograph engaged, indicated by a display on the back of the watch.”
Left: Dial side of movement. Right: Caseback side of movement. Notice the minute repeater hammers top-left and top of the movement, and the gongs encircling the movement. The striking governor on the left is engraved with JMV, a tribute to Jean-Marc Vacheron.
The minute repeater features an innovative flying strike governor.
“This device has two weights shaped so as to act as a brake on the governor’s rotating shaft, thus evening-out the energy released by the repeater’s spring. To achieve this, it uses opposing centrifugal and centripetal forces. When the governor spins, the centrifugal force pivots one end of the weights outwards so that the other end acts as a brake on the central shaft to bring the rotation and the strike to a steady rate. The governor mechanism, which operates in total silence, regulates both the cadence and duration of the musical sequence so that the notes can be heard distinctly and clearly, with a complete absence of mechanical ‘background noise’.”
Image: The magnificent spherical hairspring. Calibre 2757 was first introduced in 2022 for a Les Cabinotiers single-piece edition. This model’s Calibre 2757 S takes it one step further by incorporating a spherical hairspring and featuring an open face dial.
The tourbillon features a spherical hairspring. Its shape “causes the spring to expand and contract concentrically, thus enhancing isochronism.”
The movement’s surfaces are bevelled, polished, satin-finished, grained, circular-grained, engraved and bead-blasted. Bridges and main plate feature a NAC finish.
Case
Image: Notice the NAC finishing on the bridges and main plate, and the power reserve indicator.
Made from 18K 5N pink gold.
Diameter: 45 mm. Thickness: 16.40 mm.
Caseback features a sapphire crystal.
The watch comes with a green Mississippiensis alligator leather strap, which is hand-stitched and features a saddle-finish and large square scales. It is fitted to a polished half Maltese-cross shaped (the brand’s emblem) folding clasp made from 18K 5N pink gold.
Our Thoughts
Image: A VC masterpiece and a future horological icon.
Vacheron Constantin has been flexing its horological muscles as it celebrates its milestone 270th anniversary this year. The Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface is their third ultra grand complication unveiled in a 3-month period. The Les Cabinotiers Solaria was unveiled in April and the Overseas Grand Complication Openface in May. Not to mention their impressive Watches and Wonders Geneva debuts (Please click here, here, and here). Only a handful of watch brands can do this. To put this in perspective, imagine if a renowned supercar manufacturer launched three hypercars in a 3-month period, in addition to their “regular” models during the same period?
Image: A single watchmaker is responsible for all aspects of putting this watch together.
The Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface unites three of the most “difficult to create” horological complications – split-seconds chronograph, minute repeater, and tourbillon with a spherical hairspring. It joins the pantheon of VC masterpieces such as the 57260 pocket watch, Les Cabinotiers Celestia Astronomical Grand Complication, Les Cabinotiers Astronomical Striking Grand Complication “Ode to Music,” the Berkley Grand Complication pocket watch, Les Cabinotiers Solaria, and others.
The Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface provides immense aspirational value to collectors of the brand – both existing and new. After all, an entry level Patrimony, Traditionnelle, and Overseas comes from the same kitchen! It proves once again just how special VC is as a watchmaker. One with few equals.
Additional Details
Name: Les Cabinotiers Temporis Duo Grand Complication Openface
Reference: 9750C/000R-215C
Watch is hallmarked with the Poinçon de Genève or Geneva Seal.
Single-piece edition.
Price: Upon request. I reckon in the Swiss Franc (CHF) 1 million range.
Delivered in a Les Cabinotiers box.
Please visit the brand’s website and Instagram page for more information.
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