Breaking the Complication Record – Again
Vacheron Constantin’s record-breaking run continues. Having secured the record for the world’s most complicated pocket watch last year with the Les Cabinotiers Berkley Grand Complication (63 functions), the luxury Swiss watchmaker has now set a new benchmark for wristwatches: the Les Cabinotiers Solaria Grand Complication, with 41 functions.
A Milestone Timepiece for a 270th Anniversary
The one-of-a-kind watch, which took eight years to develop and incorporates 13 patents, was not commissioned by a private client. Instead, it was created to celebrate Vacheron Constantin’s 270th anniversary this year.
Pushing the Boundaries of Watchmaking
“We always have one or two projects like Solaria in our minds,” said Sandrine Donguy, Vacheron Constantin’s Product and Innovation Director. “The idea is always to demonstrate our excellence in high craftsmanship and watchmaking.”
A Symphony of Complications
Beyond standard timekeeping, the Solaria includes:
- A perpetual calendar
- A split-seconds chronograph (timing two events simultaneously)
- Five chiming functions
- 14 astronomical displays, five of which are world-firsts
Celestial Innovations on the Wrist
Four of the astronomical functions track the sun (inspiring the watch’s name), while a fifth indicates hours until a specific star appears. “It’s like a little telescope on the wrist,” Ms. Donguy remarked.
Precision Engineering at Microscopic Scale
The watch was made possible by AI-powered manufacturing, producing ultra-tiny components with tolerances as tight as 0.1mm. Despite its 1,521 components, the watch fits in a 45mm white gold case under 15mm thick—with displays on both sides to maintain Vacheron’s signature clean dial aesthetic.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
- Patek Philippe’s Grandmaster Chime: 20 complications
- Franck Muller’s Aeternitas Mega 4 (previous record holder): 36 complications
- Vacheron’s Solaria: 41 complications
What’s Next for High Complication Watches?
“Industry isn’t always mature enough to go further,” Ms. Donguy said. “But humanity’s quest to explore continues. What about a display from the moon’s perspective? The possibilities are endless.”