Vacheron Constantin has always been at the core of its craftsmanship, crafting jewelry that represents the pinnacle of watch decoration. Here we present a sophisticated high jewelry watch, made possible only by the company's mastery of thin movements.
This high jewelry watch features 144 baguette-cut diamonds set invisibly on the sides, lugs, and bezel, with 16 baguette-cut diamonds invisibly set on the crown. The total weight of diamonds is 27.11 carats. Automatic movement (Cal. 2160). 30 jewels. 18,000 vph. Power reserve: approximately 80 hours. 18K white gold case (41mm diameter, 12.46mm thick). Water resistant to approximately 30m. Made to order. Boutique exclusive. Price upon request.
Photographs by Takeshi Hoshi (estlleras)
Written by Aki Nogami
Text by Aki Nogami
Edited by Yuto Hosoda (Chronos-Japan)
[Article published in the July 2025 issue of Kronos Japan]
Learn about the world of Haute Horlogerie from Vacheron Constantin
This year marks the 270th anniversary of the founding of Vacheron Constantin. Throughout its history, the Maison has been actively involved in the production of jewelry watches that skillfully incorporate artisanal techniques. In addition to engraving, enamel, and guilloching, the Maison is also proud of its gem-setting skills.
"Watch and jewelry manufacturing have been very closely linked since the time of our founder, Jean-Marc Vacheron," says Style & Heritage Director Christian Selmoni, and in fact Vacheron Constantin has used the jewelry techniques honed in its workshops to meet the demands of customers seeking high-end models.
This "Traditional" tourbillon high jewelry is proof of this, with 334 diamonds covering the dial, lugs, and case. Equipped with the ultra-thin caliber 2160, just 5.56 mm thick, the possibilities for diamond setting on the dial have expanded, and even the inner bezel has been decorated with diamonds, creating a three-dimensional design.
This approach, which puts gemstones at the center of the piece, is reminiscent of the company's jewellery watch milestones, such as the 1979 Calista and 1980 Cara, both designed by painter Raymond Moretti. Both were made from engraved gold bars and set with more than 100 emerald-cut diamonds, creating an artistic Art Deco silhouette.
The recently released Transform-style Grand Lady Cara is a direct descendant of this model, but this one also continues the tradition of using gemstones for sculptural expression. High jewelry often uses custom-cut gems to create intricate motifs, and in this watch, the diamonds are cut to the perfect size to create the geometric lines radiating from the tourbillon, filling both flat and curved surfaces without gaps. While this adjustment is truly impressive, the effect of their brilliance is also maximized by the invisible setting, in which grooves are carved under the diamond's girdle and the prongs are set into a rail so that they are not visible from the front.
For Vacheron Constantin, the art of jewellery is key to elevating the art of fine watchmaking to new heights, and this unparalleled brilliance speaks to the Maison's next step in this year's new theme: "Exploration".
Professor Hirota's "This is amazing!"
Since its founding, Vacheron Constantin has specialized in Métiers d'Art, which in fact includes jewelry setting. The company has produced a small number of outstanding jewelry watches, and in 1979 completed the masterpiece "Calista," adorned with a total of 118 diamonds totaling 130 carats. This model established the technique of covering the entire surface of a watch with diamonds.
The company's latest creation is the "Traditional Tourbillon High Jewelry." A total of 331 diamonds are set perfectly in the three-dimensional case, making this complicated watch look even more like jewelry. However, the functionality of the watch remains completely intact, as befits a long-established company.
