The Quest - 270 years of time,
crafted by hand
Vacheron Constantin marks its 270th anniversary and its unwavering pursuit of excellence with a new series of Les Cabinotiers watches, titled La Quête. This collection pays homage to the wonders of astronomy and the epic odysseys of antiquity.
Each timepiece, presenting formidable technical and artistic challenges, showcases Vacheron Constantin’s mastery in crafting grand complications, brought to life through the Maison’s exceptional artistic métiers.
La Quête unfolds through celestial wonders, heroic odysseys and legendary labours, each reflecting Vacheron Constantin’s mastery.
Exploring time through the art of astronomical complication
Time as an exploration of the cosmos
Astronomic Momentum reflects Vacheron Constantin’s enduring fascination with the universe and its measure. Between celestial poetry and exceptional engineering, these timepieces express humanity’s quest to understand the world and itself. Through engraving, enamelling and astronomical complications, light and mechanics unite in a contemplative dialogue.
Precision shaped by celestial order
Beneath the domed dials, the Astronomic Momentum watches reveal a choreography of tourbillons, orbital indications and sidereal time. Sculpted bridges, transparent structures and meticulous finishes express the relentless pursuit of precision that defines Vacheron Constantin’s astronomical artistry.
Where myth and mastery intertwine in a timeless epic
Heroic tales engraved in gold and light
The Epic Warriors watches capture scenes of valor drawn from myth and history. Each dial is a living bas-relief, engraved and chased entirely by hand. Through the shimmer of metal and the depth of detail, time itself becomes the battlefield where art honors bravery.
Virtue and endurance captured in motion
The Labours of Heracles translate the hero’s journey into miniature masterpieces of engraving and relief. Through layers of gold and shadow, the four watches evoke strength, sacrifice and triumph, values at the heart of Vacheron Constantin’s vision of excellence.
Where craft becomes narrative
From celestial exploration to the homage paid to heroes of history, Les Cabinotiers La Quête embodies the encounter between technical mastery and artistic expression. Each creation, the result of hundreds of hours of meticulous craftsmanship, unites engraving, enamelling, gem-setting and mechanical design in perfect harmony, reflecting the extraordinary dedication of the Maison’s artisans.
When craftsmanship shapes emotion
In the La Quête collection, the Métiers d’Art express time through matter. From the engraving of mythological scenes to the subtle layers of grand feu enamel, every gesture requires unwavering precision and intuition. The artisans’ touch brings depth to the narrative, revealing how Vacheron Constantin transforms centuries of savoir-faire into living art.
Where human feats meet watchmaking mastery
La Quête draws inspiration from the exploits of mythological and historical figures from diverse cultures and eras, embodying courage, perseverance, and ingenuity. Each timepiece conveys a human adventure, where determination and boldness chart the path to achievement and discovery.
Rather than a single calibre, the collection relies on a family of mechanisms chosen for what they express. Astronomical indications mark cycles we live with ; satellite or wandering hours suggest travel ; minute repeaters lend time a human voice. Dual sided constructions are used where separation clarifies complex stories. Power, regulation and tone are refined at the bench so the image can breathe. Technique and Métiers d’Art move together to tell each chapter with clarity.
Taille douce engraving draws the grain of a mane, the line of a shield and the edge of a landscape. Grand feu enamelling builds colour in thin layers, fired and cooled until the tone settles. White gold micro sculpture sets a quiet relief that catches light without glare. Gem-setting is used with restraint so stones serve the rhythm of the scene. Metals, stones and pigments are chosen for how they hold memory over time. Each surface is finished by hand, bevelled and polished where needed, so the image and the indications live together.
In the workshops, components are machined from precious metals and steel to tolerances measured in hundredths of a millimetre. Bridges are milled, wheels cut and pinions turned, then each surface is dressed by hand with deburring, bevels, straight graining and black polish. Jewels are set to control end shake, springs are formed and adjusted, and repeater gongs are profiled then tuned for a clear, even note. Parts are assembled and taken down several times until the train runs freely and the escapement breathes. This quiet groundwork does not seek attention, yet it holds the whole narrative together: the scene on the dial is carried by the precision inside.
