Les Cabinotiers Récits de Voyages | Vacheron Constantin
Under its esteemed Les Cabinotiers atelier—an autonomous enclave within the manufacture dedicated to bespoke, one-of-a-kind creations—Vacheron Constantin presents Récits de Voyages, a richly themed series that charts the maison’s historical global expansion through extraordinary horological artistry. These exclusive timepieces pay homage to Vacheron Constantin’s international footprint, which had grown steadily since the 19th century.
Les Cabinotiers ‘Récits de Voyages’ — a one-of-a-kind Vacheron Constantin creation, featuring a dial inspired by the gleaming spire of New York’s Chrysler Building.
Each watch in the Récits de Voyages collection is a unique creation—never to be duplicated—and conceived over a meticulous three-year development process that blends design, artistry, and specialized craftsmanship.As stylistic director Christian Selmoni explains, design leads the choice of decorative technique, not the other way around. This philosophy empowers artisans to push creative and technical limits.
For the first time, Vacheron Constantin has united wood marquetry with the champlevé enamel technique to create a breathtaking dial. More than 110 tiny wood veneers were meticulously cut and placed, one by one, into the engraved alveoli over the course of a month. The result pays homage to the iconic spire of New York’s Chrysler Building, capturing its radiant geometry in miniature form.
Wood marquetry and champlevé enamel come together in a meticulous process, with over 110 tiny wood veneers hand-placed to form the Chrysler Building–inspired dial.
The creations in Récits de Voyages epitomize the harmony between tradition and innovation. From the revival of rare métiers d'art—such as grisaille enamel, champlevé combined with wood marquetry—to horological complexity embodied by the Calibre 2755 TMR tourbillon minute repeater, each piece is a testament to Vacheron’s dedication to artistry and precision.
Two masterpieces from the Les Cabinotiers ‘Récits de Voyages’ collection — one inspired by Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the other echoing New York’s Chrysler Building.
Within the boutique Les Cabinotiers workshop—distinct from Vacheron’s main production—less than 50 such works are crafted each year, often taking years to complete and designed for a single wearer. It is here, in the rare freedom given to its artisans, that the maison reaffirms its motto: Do better if possible, and that is always possible.
Photography courtesy of Vacheron Constantin via Swisswatches.
Gem Exploring Editorial.
