The decoration is exquisite and complicated.
Vacheron Constantin luxury starts the new year with Les Cabinotiers Grande Complication Bacchus. Bacchus is a large double-sided complication that is part of the brand’s annual collection of unique timepieces. Bacchus is one of the most complicated watches produced by Vacheron Constantin, thanks to cal. 2755 GC16 is composed of more than 800 parts.
Although the Geneva watchmaker used variants of the same caliber in its past watches, due to its case decoration, including hand engraving and gem inlays, a vine-patterned relief was formed on both sides of the case, even when It is also unusual among its siblings.
Bacchus is a grand complication that makes a statement, and belongs to the same category of watches as the Patek Philippe Sky Moon Tourbillon. It is very large and very complicated, and it is impossible to miss it on the wrist.
Although a one-off creation, Bacchus is not Vacheron Constantin’s first double-sided complication. In fact, the past few models, especially the 2018 Phoenix, contain variants of the same caliber as Bacchus. But Bacchus has a unique decoration and is in fact one of the most exquisite decorations to date.
Vacheron Constantin’s large complications are often carved, but Bacchus seems to be the first — or at least the first public display — to use gems as part of the carved pattern. Although the gorgeous style is not for everyone, it is impressive in terms of craftsmanship and execution. Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Grande Complication Bacchus
The brand will not disclose the price of this watch, but similar models in the past are priced between 2-3 million U.S. dollars, and it will not be easily affordable. In other words, this kind of watch usually sells very quickly, especially in the past few years, Vacheron Constantin has organized suitcase exhibitions in major cities around the world. Or maybe Bacchus is designed for a client who likes drinking and complex functions.
The fantasy of a winemaker
The 18k rose gold case has a diameter of 47 mm and a height of 19.1 mm, providing plenty of engraving space for almost all surfaces. The bezel, lugs and back are all engraved with repeated vine patterns, but the most delicate decoration is on the side of the case.
Case decoration requires the exquisite skills of engravers and gem setters, and it takes about 300 hours to complete. Both sides of the case are embossed, engraved with vines and rubies, of which about 113, with a total weight of 1.84 carats.
The process starts with the outline of the engraved pattern and the groove of the ruby. Then, the gem setter sets the cabochon-cut ruby, and then returns the case to the engraver for the final step to complete the engraving by adding clarity and depth. Discount cheap watch
In the big case, it is cal. 2755 is a manual winding movement, derived from the movement developed for the Tour de l’Ile. This is a super complication created for the 250th anniversary of Vacheron Constantin in 2005.
Although simpler than the Tour de l’Ile movement, cal 2755 still has a long list of complications-explaining the number of its 839 parts-including a perpetual calendar with a time equation, a minute repeater and a star chart on the back.
The front of the watch also contains a perpetual calendar, power reserve and tourbillon, while the back contains a star map and sidereal time display.
Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Grande Complication Bacchus
Ref. 9700C/000R-B755
Diameter: 47 mm
Height: 19.1 mm
Material: 18k rose gold set with 113 1.84 carat rubies
Crystal: Sapphire
Waterproof performance: not waterproof
Movement: Carl. 2755 GC16
Functions: Time, minute repeater, perpetual calendar with time equation, sunrise and sunset times, power reserve indicator and tourbillon regulator; on the back, the starry sky chart with sidereal time and zodiac calendar winds up the chain
: Hand wind
Frequency: 18,000 times per hour (2.5 Hz)
Power reserve: 58 hours
Strap: Alligator leather hand-engraved folding clasp