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Solaria Ultra Grand Complication, a mechanical masterpiece showcasing 41 complications.
Vacheron Constantin celebrates its 270th anniversary, and to mark this exceptional milestone, the Maison unveiled a collection of highly complicated timepieces at Watches and Wonders 2025. But for Vacheron, that was not enough; the brand went far beyond expectations by presenting a unique creation that shattered multiple world records: the "Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication,'La Première'," officially recognized as the most complicated wristwatch ever made.
This horological masterpiece features 41 complications and is subject to 13 patent applications. The result of eight years of intensive research and development, it unites five astronomical functions that have never before been combined in a wristwatch. Comprising 1,521 components, the "Les Cabinotiers – The Berkley Grand Complication 'La Première'" firmly establishes itself as an unprecedented achievement in watchmaking.
Since developing its first watch with calendar and date complications in the late 18th century, Vacheron Constantin has continuously pursued the creation of highly complicated timepieces, particularly in the realm of astronomical complications, a passion reflected in many of the pocket watches crafted by the Maison. This relentless pursuit reached new heights last year with the "Berkley Grand Complication," which became the most complicated pocket watch ever created, boasting 63 complications housed in a case measuring 98 mm in diameter and 50.55 mm thick. Today, Vacheron Constantin continues to push the boundaries of horological excellence, significantly surpassing the previous record holder, the Franck Muller Aeternitas Mega 5, which featured a total of 36 complications.
This extraordinary wristwatch comes in a white gold case measuring 45 mm in diameter and just 14.99 mm in height — a size comparable to many other complex watches, and perhaps even slimmer considering the technical marvel it contains.
A further challenge of miniaturisation was to display such a large number of functions within a very limited space. To achieve this, the sides of the watch are used to display this vast array of functions, while the case itself integrates multiple pushers and levers required to activate them.
The technical development of the case was entrusted to the same team responsible for the movement. The result is an elegant case crafted in polished 18K white gold, incorporating eight correctors, two push buttons, two selectors, and an elegant slider for the minute repeater.
Another patented innovation, designed to reduce the overall dimensions of the movement, is the use of a two-sided monobloc multi-cam wheel system. This system manages the sunrise and sunset times, equation of time, height of the sun, as well as the culmination and declination of the sun, which has reduced the height of the mechanism while increasing its precision. On the reverse side of the watch, the fixed sapphire crystal and the rotating disc are also remarkably thin. The fixed disc, which serves as the transparent caseback and is marked with the months and constellations, is just 0.6 mm thick at its edge. The rotating disc, which displays the celestial vault and sidereal time, is barely 0.3 mm thick.
On the front dial of the watch, an elegant play of contrasts enhances legibility. The deliberate absence of traditional ornamentation creates a distinctly modern aesthetic. White alternates with black, and varying shades of grey are achieved through a combination of finishes such as sunburst, sandblasted, and circular satin-polished surfaces. White gold indices, further elevated by rhodium plating and satin finishing, complete this sophisticated composition.
The construction of the dial is as intricate as the movement. It comprises a main plate with four counters, under which two metal discs are inserted – one bearing the cities at 3 o'clock and the astronomical signs at 6 o'clock – as well as three sapphire discs, which require machining capabilities of the utmost precision. The peripheral disc displaying sunrise and sunset times and the one indicating the sun's position measure only 0.18mm. A true feat of manufacturing and assembly. Finally, a third sapphire disc, also 0.18 mm thick, is positioned at 9 o'clock to precisely indicate Moon phases, including spring and neap tide occurrences. This disc is mounted above a metal disc that displays the tide cycle.
On the counter at 6 o'clock devoted to the solar functions, a 5mm diameter Earth dome in rhodium-plated 18K gold is highlighted by the contrast between highly polished continents with sandblasted oceans. The declination of the sun is highlighted by a polished 18K yellow gold half-sphere.
On the reverse side of the watch, legibility is ensured despite the restrained colour palette. The sapphire crystal caseback displays the constellations, the equatorial ellipse (grey circle), the ecliptic ellipse (yellow circle), the months, and 60-second graduations. The rotating disc displaying the celestial vault and the 24-hour scale is achieved through metallization in two shades of grey. The two split-seconds chronograph hands, which traverse the star chart, are lacquered in green and red to maximise contrast, these colours are echoed in the 72-hour power reserve indication, which is set on the periphery of the movement to save space. The resulting display is reminiscent of a gauge on a car dashboard.
One of the major difficulties was to house the Calibre 3655 with its 1,521 components in a reasonably sized case that would be comfortable on the wrist. This was a real challenge that required not only extreme miniaturisation but also new solutions in terms of construction. The result is rare feat of watchmaking, with the Maison succeeding in housing a calibre with 41 complications in a case measuring 45mm in diameter with a height of only 14.99mm.
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin, this mechanical manual-winding movement measures 36 mm in diameter and 10.96 mm in thickness, offering a power reserve of approximately 72 hours with one barrel for the movement and one for the chiming function. Beating at a frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour), it is composed of 1,521 components and features 204 jewels. this unique watch comes a black leather strap and white gold folding clasp; price is upon request.
List Of Complications
Time measurement (6)
Gregorian Perpetual Calendar (8)
Lunar indications (3)
Astronomical indications (14)
Chiming complications (5)
Additional feature (1)
For more information please visit Vacheron Constantin’s official website.
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