Geneva-based Vacheron Constantin has unveiled the Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication – La Première, a monumental achievement in watchmaking to commemorate its 270th anniversary. After eight years of development, this one-of-a-kind timepiece now holds the title of the most complicated wristwatch ever created, featuring 41 complications across two dials—including a world-first celestial object tracker.
A Masterpiece of Engineering and Innovation
The Solaria is not merely a watch but an engineering marvel, powered by the caliber 3655 movement, composed of 1,521 components and protected by 13 patents. Despite its complexity, the watch remains surprisingly compact, measuring just 15 mm in thickness.
Vacheron Constantin’s legacy in ultra-complications is well-established—last year’s “The Berkley” pocket watch being a recent example—but the Solaria stands out as one of the most technically ambitious and visually striking timepieces in recent memory.
Five Rare Complications and a World First
Among its 41 functions, five are classified as rare, with four dedicated to tracking the Sun’s position, height, culmination, and declination. The fifth is an unprecedented celestial object tracker, allowing wearers to calculate when a chosen star will appear in their field of vision.
Sun Position & Path: A rotating sapphire ring indicates the Sun’s location in the sky, along with sunrise and sunset times.
Height & Declination: Displays the Sun’s elevation above the horizon and its angle relative to Earth’s equator.
Culmination (Solar Noon): Marks the Sun’s highest daily point, adjusted for the wearer’s longitude.
These functions alone surpass the complexity of a full perpetual calendar, demonstrating Vacheron Constantin’s unparalleled craftsmanship.
The Celestial Object Tracker: A Horological First
The reverse dial houses the split-seconds chronograph and the groundbreaking celestial tracker. Twin tinted-sapphire disks form a real-time star chart, working in tandem with the chronograph to measure when a selected constellation becomes visible. To use it:
- Select a star on the celestial chart and start the chronograph.
- Stop the split-seconds hand once it aligns with a green marker.
- Stop the second hand when it reaches the star’s current position.
- The green triangle indicates the remaining hours until the star appears.
While the mechanism may seem complex, its novelty and precision make it a standout feature.
Westminster Chime Minute Repeater: A Sonic Marvel
Seven of the movement’s 13 patents belong to the Westminster carillon minute repeater, which chimes with four hammers and gongs. Traditional chiming systems were unsuitable due to the movement’s density, so Vacheron Constantin redesigned the gongs with a rectangular cross-section, attaching them directly to the case for enhanced resonance.
Additional High-Complication Features
Beyond its astronomical and acoustic innovations, the Solaria includes:
- Perpetual calendar with four-digit year display.
- Moon phase (accurate to one day in 122 years).
- Triple timezone display (local, 24-hour, and world time).
- Modular “Plug & Play” construction, allowing easier servicing of the astronomical complications.
Aesthetics vs. Functionality
With so much information condensed into overlapping displays, legibility is not the Solaria’s strength. However, such visual complexity is inherent in a watch of this caliber. While some may find the dials overwhelming, the sheer technical brilliance justifies the design.
A Legacy for the Future
Vacheron Constantin has hinted that elements of the caliber 3655 may trickle down into simpler models. The silicon balance wheel, a first for the brand, could also see wider adoption.
The Les Cabinotiers Solaria Ultra Grand Complication – La Première is more than a celebration of 270 years of watchmaking—it is a testament to what is possible when artistry meets engineering.
