SIHH is still months away, but the buzz has already started with a few pre-releases ahead of the headliners in January. That said, if Vacheron Constantin’s Les Cabinotiers Grand Complication Phoenix isn’t a headliner, the world’s oldest watchmaker is in for one hell of a show.

A new interpretation of one of the maison’s most complicated pieces, the Phoenix contains a VIP guestlist of complications. The Caliber 2755 is equipped with the increasingly common triumvirate of minute repeater, tourbillon and perpetual calendar. Not that those three are to be sniffed at; it’s just that there are plenty of watchmakers trying to outdo each other nowadays; just look at Bulgari’s recent effort here.

This version however houses a host of astronomical indicators, including (deep breath): equation of time, sunrise and sunset, a sky chart, sidereal hours and minutes, moon phase indicator, the signs of the zodiac and the seasons. Yeah, it’s a lot to take in. You can see where it gets its celestial inspirations from.

Speaking of which, the case is nothing short of a masterpiece. Scales are engraved around the bezel and, well, pretty much every metallic surface, while a three-dimensional flaming bird head flanked by feathers is on each side.

It’s not subtle, but the phoenix is magnificent. It doesn’t matte which side you look at either, whether it’s the recognisable if complicated watch face or the functions on the back that put an observatory to shame.

It shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise to know that the Phoenix is a unique piece – but then, so are most of Les Cabinotiers. It’s not hard to see why either; the movement or case either are enough to warrant it as a one-off. Just try not to wonder about the price. It’s not available as of yet, but you can be sure it’s an emperor’s ransom.

Price & Specs:

Model name: Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Grand Complication Phoenix (Ref. 9700C/003R-B187) Dial/Case: 47mm x 19.10mm, 18k pink gold, slate grey opaline dial Movement: 2755 BOSS

Power reserve: 58 hours Price: Not available



More at: www.vacheron-constantin.com