Vacheron Constantin | Tribute to the Quest of Time
Time itself becomes art in Vacheron Constantin’s Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Quest of Time, a creation unveiled for the Maison’s 270th anniversary. Conceived as both a complication and a cosmic tableau, the piece unites horology, astronomy, and sculpture in one of the most ambitious watches of recent years.
Its dial recreates the Geneva night sky as it appeared on September 17, 1755 — the founding date of Vacheron Constantin — against which a sculpted human figure serves as the living display of time. The arms sweep in retrograde arcs to mark hours and minutes, while two modes of reading coexist: a continuous, real-time display or a discreet “standby” mode that, when activated, makes the figure leap instantly to the correct time.
Behind this poetic presentation lies the hand-wound Calibre 3670, a movement of formidable architecture developed over three years and protected by four patents. It counts 512 components, beats at 5 Hz, and offers a six-day power reserve. Its sophistication extends to a 3D precision moon phase with lunar age, dual retrograde power reserve displays, and a sky chart visible on the reverse that mirrors constellations over Geneva in real time with sidereal accuracy so precise it will deviate by only one day in more than nine millennia.
The watch measures 43 mm in white gold, with layered sapphire crystal dials revealing the interplay of depth, relief, and celestial detail. The sculpted figure and moon are crafted in titanium with golden PVD finishes, while the movement itself is adorned with the highest standards of Genevan finishing. Limited to just 20 pieces and available exclusively through Vacheron Constantin boutiques, it represents not only watchmaking mastery but also a philosophical meditation on the human relationship with time and the stars.
As a reader, you might naturally wonder what could be the price of a watch like this. While Vacheron Constantin has chosen to keep the figure discreet and available on request, industry estimations place the value at around CHF 400,000 — a reflection of the craftsmanship, exclusivity, and complexity invested in each of the only 20 pieces created.
This is not simply a watch, but a rare expression of beauty and craft — where art, astronomy, and high horology converge. Every detail reflects Vacheron Constantin’s mastery of métiers d’art, executed in a form reserved for the few. With only 20 pieces in existence, it stands as an exclusive creation for collectors who seek not only precision but a work of art that defines time itself.
Discover more about the Métiers d’Art Tribute to the Quest of Time on Vacheron Constantin’s official website.
Photography courtesy of Vacheron Constantin.
