Introducing Vacheron Constantin Explores the Universe with Two Masterpieces

For 270 years, Vacheron Constantin has stood as one of the greatest names in Swiss watchmaking, continuously redefining excellence through its mastery of technical innovation and artistic craftsmanship. As part of its anniversary celebrations, the Maison presents two extraordinary creations within its Les Cabinotiers “La Quête” series, a collection dedicated to the spirit of discovery and the mysteries of the cosmos. The Celestia Astronomical Grand Complication – Homage to Ptolemy and Homage to Copernicus are two unique pieces that honor the astronomers whose visions forever transformed humanity’s understanding of the universe.

Inspired by the ancient theories of geocentrism and heliocentrism, the timepieces celebrate two interpretations of the heavens: Ptolemy’s Earth-centered model and Copernicus’s Sun-centered revolution. Each model features a 45 mm double-sided case measuring 13.91 mm thick, with water resistance up to 30 meters.

The Homage to Ptolemy is crafted from 18K white gold, its surface engraved using the champlevé technique to depict concentric planetary orbits surrounding Earth. The sandblasted background contrasts beautifully with the polished ellipses that flow seamlessly across the bezel and lugs.

The Homage to Copernicus is made from 18K 5N pink gold and features an intricate engraving of the Sun radiating from the crown, with planets orbiting asymmetrically around it. To achieve the off-center arcs of planetary motion, the master engraver developed custom tools to trace each curve with perfect precision. Each engraving required 240 hours of meticulous handwork.

The reverse side of each watch reveals a celestial map that displays sidereal time through two sapphire discs, depicting constellations visible from the Northern Hemisphere. A rotating disc shows the current night sky in real time, complete with the celestial equator and ecliptic. Surrounding the display is a power-reserve indicator for the movement’s remarkable three-week autonomy, while the one-minute tourbillon, shaped as Vacheron Constantin’s Maltese cross, appears through an aperture on the back.

On the front, the grained 18K gold dial matching the case metal unites art and precision. It presents three readings of time: civil, solar, and sidereal, each driven by its own gear train. A perpetual calendar displays the day, month, and leap-year cycle, with a serpentine hand indicating the date. The moon phase appears at 9 o’clock, while additional indications include sunrise and sunset times, the length of day and night, the zodiac, and a mareoscope showing tidal variations caused by the Earth-Moon-Sun alignment. The 18K gold hands and hour markers complete the composition, creating a refined contrast against the subtly textured background.

Powering both watches is the Calibre 3600, a manual-winding movement developed and manufactured entirely in-house. Operating at 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz), it comprises 514 components and 64 jewels, with a three-week power reserve supplied by six barrels mounted in series. 

The movement integrates 23 astronomical complications, including civil, solar, and sidereal time; sunrise and sunset indications; moon phases; tidal movements; zodiac signs; solstices; and equinoxes. Despite its complexity, it measures just 8.7 mm thick.

Both watches are paired with a dark blue Mississippiensis alligator leather strap, hand-stitched and fitted with a matching engraved gold folding clasp. Each is a one-of-a-kind creation, and the price is available upon request.

For more information, visit Vacheron Constantin’s official website.