Vacheron Constantin Honours Artistic Crafts At Homo Faber Exhibition

Vacheron Constantin is participating in the 2022 edition of Homo Faber in Venice – ending 1st May -an international exhibition dedicated to the magic of craftsmanship, celebrating artisanal talents in a wide range of disciplines.

Sensitive to perpetuating and passing on artistic crafts, Vacheron Constantin is participating in the exhibition, alongside guest of honour Japan. The Maison has taken its place alongside perfumers, watchmakers, jewellers, kimono makers and bootmakers in the pavilion dedicated to the world of luxury, under the title “Details: Genealogies of Ornament”.

The relationship between Vacheron Constantin and Japan dates back to the 19th century. Some of the timepieces in Vacheron Constantin’s private collection feature Japanese-inspired decorations and ornamentation and certain examples are displayed on the Vacheron Constantin booth at Homo Faber.

“Homo Faber is an expression first coined during the Renaissance and it celebrates the infinite creativity of human beings. This exhibition will provide a panoramic view of fine craftsmanship, with the sole guiding principle being what humankind can do better than machines.”
Michelangelo Foundation

In reference to the welcome given to Japan and the close ties binding Vacheron Constantin with this country, the Maison drew inspiration from Japanese mythology in creating the two Les Cabinotiers Thunder God and Wind God timepieces presented at Homo Faber.

The dials refer to a painting by famous 16th century Japanese artist Sōtatsu, considered a national treasure in his home country. The white gold cases, featuring fine line intaglio-type engraving on the bezel, middle and lugs, feature minute repeater slide pieces set with precious stones. These timepieces are driven by in-house Calibre 1731, an ultra-thin minute repeater movement measuring just 3.90 mm thick.

The 18K yellow gold dial is first adorned with intaglio-type fine line engraving to reproduce an irregular chequered pattern featuring matt and shiny surfaces creating the illusion of gold leaf decoration. A layer of transparent flux fired in the kiln is then applied to protect this base, which is thus ready for miniature enamel painting. Between six and seven firings were necessary to stabilise the colours of Fujin and Raijin on their clouds.

In-house Calibre 1731 (a reference to the year Jean-Marc Vacheron was born) powers these two musical timepieces. Its main characteristic is its extreme thinness for a minute repeater movement. At only 3.90 mm thick, it is nevertheless equipped with a barrel ensuring an impressive 65-hour power reserve. It took four years to solve the conundrum of how to create a minute repeater movement combining slenderness, pure acoustics, aesthetic elegance, reliability and robustness.

Technical Specifications:

Les Cabinotiers Minute repeater ultra-thin – Thunder God

Reference 6600C/000G-B731

Calibre 1731

Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin

Mechanical manual-winding

32.80 mm diameter, 3.90 mm thick

Movement power reserve: approximately 65 hours

3 Hz (21,600 vibrations/hour)

265 components

36 jewels

Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece

Indications Hours, minutes,

Minute repeater (hours, quarters and minutes on demand)

Case 18K white gold

41 mm diameter, 8.44 mm thick

Case fully hand-engraved with an ornamental pattern and minute repeater slide set with 6 baguette-cut rubies for a weight of approximately 0.16 ct.

Transparent sapphire crystal caseback

Dial 18K gold, hand-engraved and hand-enamelled Grand Feu miniature representing the Thunder God

Strap Burgandy Mississippiensis alligator leather with alligator leather inner shell, hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large square scales

Clasp 18K white gold folding clasp

Polished half Maltese cross-shaped

Presentation box & accessory Les Cabinotiers model

Single-piece edition

“Pièce unique”, “Les Cabinotiers” and “AC” Hallmark engraved on the back of the timepiece

Les Cabinotiers Minute repeater ultra-thin – Wind God

Reference 6600C/000G-B732