Vacheron Constantin Celebrates 270 Years With A Double Sided Masterpiece That Takes You Back To Its Founding Day
3 min read
To mark its 270th anniversary, Vacheron Constantin did the impossible- they actually take you back in time. Well, not literally of course, but figuratively. The newest launch Métiers d’Art – Tribute to the Quest of Time, includes a celestial vault that reproduces the position of the constellations in the Geneva sky on 17 September 1755, the day of Vacheron Constantin's founding. Limited to just 20 pieces, this double-sided wristwatch embodies three years of development and introduces the new manually wound Calibre 3670, a 512-component feat of miniaturisation protected by four patent applications.
At its heart is a dual retrograde time display, where a golden human figure uses its arms to indicate the hours and minutes. Inspired by the 1930 “Bras en l’Air” pocket watch, this modern interpretation offers two modes of display: continuously active or on-demand. In active mode, the arms sweep across the dial like traditional hands; in standby mode, they remain at rest until activated by a discreet pusher at 10 o’clock, springing to life only when called upon. This innovative system builds on the dual-mode concept first explored in the 2019 Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar.
The Calibre 3670 balances high frequency with endurance. Beating at 5 Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour) and powered by three barrels, it offers a robust six-day power reserve. Among its technical highlights are a dual retrograde power reserve indicator, a spherical 3D moonphase with age of the moon, and a precision correction system allowing safe adjustment at any time. Notably, the retrograde mechanism incorporates a patented governor that ensures both arms jump back to zero in perfect unison—a technical refinement that solves a long-standing horological challenge.
On the aesthetic side, Vacheron Constantin elevates horology into an artistic tableau. The dial places the central human figure against a cosmic backdrop, depicting the Geneva night sky as it appeared on September 17, 1755—the date of the Maison’s founding. The celestial vault was created in collaboration with astronomers at the Geneva Observatory, ensuring accuracy in every star’s placement. The arcs displaying hours and minutes are crafted in 18K white gold with an opaline finish, while the indexes are fashioned in 18K yellow gold. A hand-engraved titanium moon, with contrasting golden and deep-blue finishes, reflects its waxing and waning phases.
The watch also pays homage to Vacheron Constantin’s landmark astronomical clock, La Quête du Temps, which inspired the automaton-like figure. Layers of sapphire crystal create depth and protect the elaborate decorations, while modern metallisation techniques render the gradient blue background and sky chart. On the reverse side, the caseback displays sidereal time and tracks the constellations in real time, with accuracy extending to one day of variation over 9,130 years.
As with all Vacheron Constantin calibres, every component is hand-finished—even those never seen. Bridges are circularly satin-brushed rather than decorated with traditional Côtes de Genève, a deliberate choice to minimise reflections and improve legibility of the celestial displays. The movement, certified by the Poinçon de Genève, is housed in an elegant 43 mm white gold case just 13.58 mm thick, achieving wearability despite its complexity.
The Métiers d’Art – Tribute to the Quest of Time also continues two of Vacheron Constantin’s great signatures: celestial complications and retrograde displays. From early astronomical pocket watches in 1755 to modern marvels like the Les Cabinotiers Celestia and Armillary Tourbillon, the Maison has continually explored the mysteries of the heavens. Retrograde indications, too, are deeply ingrained in its heritage, from the 1930 Bras en l’Air to the Patrimony Bi-Retrograde and beyond. Here, both traditions converge in a new, highly technical interpretation.
Ultimately, this watch is a dialogue between past and present. By blending centuries-old craftsmanship with cutting-edge mechanics, Vacheron Constantin has created a timepiece that not only honours its founding year but also redefines how time, astronomy, and artistry can coexist on the wrist.
