Unveiled After 8 Years of Research
Vacheron Constantin Calls It a "Masterpiece of Innovation"
Miniaturization Highlighted... 45mm Diameter
Swiss watchmaker Vacheron Constantin has unveiled the most complicated mechanical wristwatch in history.
According to CNN on the 1st (local time), at the watch fair "Watches and Wonders" held in Switzerland that day, Vacheron Constantin revealed the Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication double-sided watch, composed of 1,521 parts.
This watch can measure time in three ways: the conventional 24-hour day, sidereal time (the time it takes for the Earth to rotate around its axis, about 4 minutes shorter than solar time), and the solar day (the length of a day based on the sun).
The front side features a total of four counters, including two counters displaying up to five complications. The back side combines a sky chart and a chronograph (stopwatch) function. The watch dial uses contrasting colors such as white, black, and gray to enhance readability.
The watch is equipped with 41 complications, 5 astronomical functions, and a Westminster chime minute repeater (a function that audibly indicates the time). In horology, a complication refers to any function beyond the standard time display, such as the Gregorian calendar or moon phase indicators.
Vacheron Constantin described this watch, completed after eight years of research and development, as a "masterpiece of innovation." The exterior is also special; the watch case is made of 18-carat white gold and contains multiple sapphire discs and over 200 jewels.
Another feature of the Solaria Ultra Grand Complication is its "miniaturization." Last year, Vacheron Constantin released the "Buckle Grand Complication" (Buckle), which includes 63 complications, including the Chinese lunisolar calendar. This watch was once recorded as the most complicated watch.
Although the Buckle model has 22 more complications than Vacheron Constantin's recently released model, its diameter is more than twice as large. The Solaria Ultra Grand Complication measures only 45mm in diameter and 14.99mm in thickness. The price has not been disclosed.
Christian Selmoni, Vacheron Constantin's Style and Heritage Director, stated, "It is an achievement in miniaturization," adding, "The design challenge was to incorporate the watch's functions into a case small enough to be comfortably worn on the wrist."
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