 No
other watch brand in the world can boast of a quarter of a millennium of
uninterrupted watchmaking history. This grand status belongs to Vacheron
Constantin alone, as it celebrates its 250th anniversary this year.
To
mark that milestone in style, Vacheron Constantin developed and produced one of
the most stunning masterpieces in horological history: the L'Esprit
des Cabinotiers clock. A magical blend of 250 years of history, art,
tradition and watchmaking knowledge, this clock deftly marries heritage with the
contemporary world.
The
one-of-a-kind clock has so much to offer that it is sure to fetch
incredible record-breaking prices at auction in Geneva (as of press
time, the final auction had not yet occurred).
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A full-fledge
manufacture with its own workshops in Geneva and le Sentier, Vacheron Constantin's roots
lie in the days of Calvinism-when watchmakers and jewelers joined forces and became known
as "cabinotiers". Both Jean-Marc Vacheron, and later Francois Constantin,
worked tirelessly to create a brand of distinction. That distinction-in art, horology and
technique-is flawlessly executed in this new clock that pays homage to that era.
The L'Esprit
des Cabinotiers combines several of today's industries and technologies. To begin with,
it is a clock set within an outer hull and atop an astonishing base. The base is crafted
of rock crystal, onyx and lapis lazuli and encapsulates a mechanical twin-barrel motor
that is controlled by a secret release mechanism (indeed, only the owner of the clock is
allowed to know how to open the outer sphere).
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