As we already learned from the example of Patek Philippe simple chronograph wristwatch, which has been created and sold at the time of Great Depression, luxury watches are always at a high demand, especially if they are unique. Very limited, high-end creations of world’s most skilled watchmakers are always appreciated among the connoisseurs. And who knows this better than Vacheron Constantin, the oldest Swiss watch manufacturer. This company even formed a special-order division founded in 2006, to fulfill the wishes of their most exclusive patrons, and create unique watches envisioned by them. Atelier Cabinotiers is a workshop in which the watchmaking expertise meets artistic crafts to create unique models for most prestigious clients.



For the first time, Vacheron Constantin has unveiled an exquisite model known as Philosophia - the paradoxical timekeeper. Philosophia is the name given by the owner, who wanted to have a watch based on the postulate that mankind does not need to constantly know the exact time to the nearest minute. The watch suggests a completely new (or perhaps old and unspoiled?) concept of time-telling that reminds us to live more freely, more easily, while enjoying the constant flow of life.

And indeed, making an appointment “in the morning” or “in the evening” is quite sufficient to allow two people to meet. Maybe we should try to slow down and connect with life, without framing the time in rigid hours, minutes and seconds increments. The unique Philosophia watch reminds the wearer to find calmness by connecting to the present moment.



Beautiful as it is, this request had to be examined by an ethical committee specially set up for the Atelier Cabinotiers. As any other request, it has to be in a harmony with Vacheron Constantin spirit to secure approval. The concept of Philosophia is daring and challenging, and this whole idea may often seem easier said than done. Therefore, if the owner needs to have a more exact idea of time at any given moment, he just has to engage the on-off slide of the Philosophia’s minute repeater, and reveal the exact hour, quarter hour and minute. If the hand is a little before 6 o’clock, the chime will sound five times on a low note, three times on a low-to-high note pair, and, for example, twelve times on a high note. That means it is exactly 5:57.



Vacheron Constantin Philosophia is based on a watch from Patrimony collection, having just one hand in the center, the hour hand and a 24-hour display. An opening in the dial at 6 o’clock reveals a tourbillon completing one rotation per minute. There is also a moon phase indicator, shown with its craters and the pole star. The power reserve indicator is positioned at the backside of the watch, bearing a small plaque stamped with the intertwined constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor. As you may have already guessed – the owner of this watch also likes astronomy. At owner’s request, the caseback of this unique watch is engraved with “No Un/Un” [No. One/One] instead of the usual “1/1”.



Inside of the 18-carat 5N pink gold case beats the mechanical manual-winding calibre 2755, stamped with the Poinçon de Genève (The Geneva Seal). The movement is made of 522 components and provides 58 hours of power reserve. Movement is visible through the transparent case-back but so generously garlanded that even the surfaces that will never be seen are hand decorated. The center of the escapement wheel is graced with a pierced Maltese Cross motif, the symbol of Vacheron Constantin.

Technical information

Reference
80173/000R9483
Atelier Cabinotiers Philosophia

Calibre 2755
Stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva, mechanical, manual-winding, 40 jewels, 18’000 vibrations / hour (2.5 Hz)

Indications
Hours 24 H, second on tourbillon
Minute Repeater
Tourbillon
Power reserve on the back of the watch

Power reserve
Approx. 58 hours
Bespoke power reserve dial engraved with “great and lesser Bear”

Case
18K 5N pink gold
43 mm in diameter
Convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on one side

Dial
Silvered opaline
Moon-phases disc in 18K 5N pink gold
Black painted minute-track and 11 Arabic numerals

Strap
Brown Mississipiensis alligator leather, square scales,
hand-stitched, saddle finish

Clasp
Buckle in 18K 5N pink gold
Polished half Maltese Cross

Unique piece
Case-back engraved with “Les Cabinotiers” identification and “AC” Hallmark