In one of the previous articles, we introduced Atelier Cabinotiers, a special-order division founded in 2006, to fulfill the wishes of Vacheron Constantin ’s most exclusive patrons. In the same article, we presented Philosophia, a unique watch named and envisioned by its current 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. Another interesting one-of-a-kind piece from the exclusive workshop is Vladimir, created for one of the brand’s most prestigious clients.



Vladimir is the ultimate in complications and artistic crafts. This Slavic name, chosen by its owner, is derived from the ancient term Volodimir, which literally means “domination by peace” or “peace to all.” This watch is, by the request of its owner, one of the world’s most complicated timepieces. The hand-wound movement of this watch animates as much as 17 different complications. Generously decorated by hand, it took Atelier Cabinotiers four years to develop and finish it.



The dial of the Vladimir is also hand engraved on a rose engine and its guilloché pattern on the dial is chosen by the owner. It provides delicate background for central hours and minutes, along with an impressive range of complications: refined 60-second tourbillon mechanism stands out at 6 o’clock; the moon phase on a blue sky with a precision moon in gold is positioned at 3 o’clock. A smaller counter with a blued hand indicates the striking mechanism torque, and second time zone with day/night indicator is placed at 11 o’clock. The power reserve indicator is located in the 9 o’clock sector, along with a 52-week indicator.



The case-back reveals perpetual calendar dials, arranged in a triangle, displaying the days of the week, month and date. A window, positioned at the upper right quadrant, shows the leap-year cycle, while the central portion of a dial shows a blued hand that sweeps over a small sector dedicated to the equation of time. Two sectors at 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock indicate the time of sunrise and sunset.



Skillfully decorated, this watch bears the Poinçon de Genève (The Geneva Seal) and boasts the work-of-art case depicting the signs of the Chinese zodiac in bas-relief. The case measures 47 millimeters in diameter, and it is crafted in 18-carat pink gold. Inside of the case beats Calibre 2750, fitted with 38 jewels. The movement itself provides 58 hours of power reserve. Mounted on brown Mississipiensis alligator leather strap and secured by the pin buckle in pink gold.

TECHNICAL DATA

Reference80253/000R-9593
Atelier Cabinotiers Vladimir

Calibre 2750, Stamped with the Hallmark of Geneva, mechanical, manual-winding, diameter36.00 mm, thickness11.25 mm, jewels 38, Frequency 18’000 Vibrations / hour (2.5 Hz), power reserveApprox. 58 hours

Indications
Hours, minutes, second on tourbillon
Minute repeater
Perpetual Calendar
Power reserve
Second time zone
Moon phase indication, age of the moon
Striking-mechanism torque
Perpetual time equation
Sunrise, sunset
Celestial map
Week number indication

Case 18K 5N pink gold
47.00 mm in diameter
Convex sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating on one side
Manual engraving of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs on the side of the case

Dial 18K white gold
Hand-guilloched
Minute-track painted in white
8 applied hour markers in 18K pink gold

Strap Brown Mississipiensis alligator leather, square scales, hand-stitched, saddle finish, buckle in 18K 5N pink gold, polished half Maltese Cross

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