The "Les Cabinotiers Le Temps Divan (Sacred Time)" series is a tourbillon featuring the mythical beasts of the four seasons depicted in wood marquetry. We will introduce two of these, featuring the "Azure Dragon" and "White Tiger" themes.
Photographs by Takeshi Hoshi (estlleras)
Interview and writing by Koichi Namiki
Text by Koichi Namiki
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
Vacheron Constantin is a rare brand that is able to interpret culture through watchmaking. The four-piece series "Les Cabinotiers Le Temps Divan (Sacred Time)" is a creation that can be said to be the quintessence of the brand. By looking to different Asian cultures and understanding their unique views of the universe and sense of time, Vacheron Constantin has created a tourbillon with a dial that makes full use of wood marquetry techniques.
In a cosmology that originated in ancient Chinese astronomy, 28 Chinese constellations were established along the celestial equator, with seven of the constellations divided into the four directions being likened to imaginary divine beasts: Azure Dragon in the east, Vermilion Bird in the south, White Tiger in the west, and Black Tortoise in the north. The four divine beings that divide the world also symbolize the four seasons: Azure Dragon for spring, Vermilion Bird for summer, White Tiger for autumn, and Black Tortoise for winter. Along with space, they also govern the passage of a year and the repeating annual cycle, or infinite time.
This worldview was introduced to Japan around the 7th century AD. Takamatsuzuka and Kitora Tomb, two Asuka period mural tombs, both feature depictions of the four gods. Vacheron Constantin cited Kitora's richly colored paintings of the four gods as the inspiration for their creation. However, the style of painting is closer to the early modern period, the era of Vacheron Constantin, than to the 7th century murals. Moreover, the extremely difficult technique of wood marquetry was deliberately chosen.
Wood marquetry involves assembling and painting motifs on various pieces of wood, sometimes bleaching or staining them. For this Les Cabinotiers watch, an average of more than 200 tiny pieces of wood from around 10 different types are used for each dial. Some are less than 0.4mm thick and 0.4mm wide; for example, each scale of the Azure Dragon is made from a single piece of wood. By accurately depicting the imaginary divine beast, its mythical nature is refined and refined.
Vacheron Constantin began making watches in 1755. The process of dividing a day into 24 hours, and then into minutes and seconds, has been repeated for 270 years. The cultural respect shown to this historical presence, a "sacred time" dating back 1000 years, is embodied in Les Cabinotiers Le Temps Divan. The tourbillon movement it houses is the ultra-thin V2160, measuring just 5.65mm thick. At 6 o'clock, the quintessence of mechanical engineering crosses the border into the marquetry painting, asserting its presence at the interface with artistry.
This model features a dial depicting the white tiger, a divine beast that governs the west and autumn and symbolizes seriousness and courage. The pattern on its body is made of anthracite maple and sycamore maple. Automatic winding (Cal. 2160). 30 jewels. 18,000 vph. Power reserve of approximately 80 hours. 18KPG (diameter 42mm, thickness 11.40mm). Unique piece.
The Azure Dragon is a divine beast that governs the East and spring, symbolizing strength and power. The dial features blue-colored tulip tree, spotted sycamore maple, and padauk. Automatic winding (Cal. 2160). 30 jewels. 18,000 vph. Power reserve of approximately 80 hours. 18KWG (diameter 42mm, thickness 11.40mm). Unique piece.
Professor Hirota's "This is amazing!"
Vacheron Constantin's Les Cabinotiers watches utilize a variety of techniques for their exteriors, and this time the dial features a motif inspired by murals.
To recreate the mural, the material chosen was, of all things, wood marquetry. When you see it in person, it's easy to see why wood was chosen over enamel or stone. By using an average of over 200 tiny pieces of wood, the dial's color expression is much richer than with enamel. In addition, the rough texture of the surface is almost like stone.
Many manufacturers are working on unique attempts at wood marquetry. However, there are few that use techniques as convincing as this piece. I can only take my hat off to the insight of this long-established company.
