The Best of the Best - Les Cabinotiers

Many watch brands have their hyper-exclusive pieces, something they pridefully present to the press and public - a show-off watch. When you look behind the curtains, you can witness the workings of Haute Horlogerie at its best. The brand that has probably pushed this the closest to perfection is the oldest continuously operating watchmaker today - Vacheron Constantine.

 

Photo source: Vacheron Constantin 

 

One of the ways that Vacheron Constantin showcases its excellence and dedication is through its elite branch Les Cabinotiers, which offers its clients bespoke timepieces, as well as releasing a yearly collection of truly unique, one-off creations. Les Cabinotiers is inspired by the legacy of its founders, who were known as “cabinotiers” in the 18th century. These were independent watchmakers who worked in workshops called “cabinets” on the top floors of Geneva’s buildings, where they benefitted from natural light and created breathtaking timepieces.

 

Photo source: Vacheron Constantin

 

Les Cabinotiers department combines the expertise and creativity of a group of master watchmaking professionals, who live by the motto “If we can think it, we can create it”. The Maison counts with an extraordinary range of artistic skills, such as guilloche experts, enamellers, engravers, and jewellery setters, who proudly continue the age-old traditions of their forefathers. The branch also explores the most demanding savoir-faire to create watches that are both extravagant and exclusive, combining the best of both worlds.

 

Photo source: Vacheron Constantin 

 

Each year, an army of artisans and watchmaking prodigies work relentlessly to present a single thematic collection inspired by a creative universe dear to the Maison. For example, this year, the theme was “Les Royaumes Aquatiques”, which paid tribute to the wonders of the sea and its legendary stories. The collection featured timepieces with astronomical, armillary tourbillon, grand sonnerie, or sky chart complications, but also included stunning artistic decorations and high jewellery.

 

Photo source: Vacheron Constantin

 

Les Cabinotiers is the truest expression of exclusivity, as each timepiece is a masterpiece, in which litters of sweat, blood and tears were poured and that reflects the personal taste and vision of its owner. They also offer a bespoke service, where clients can share their ideas and wishes with the Maison, and Les Cabinotiers will bring them to life. Whether it is considered technically impossible, artistically undoable, or aesthetically incomprehensible, the genius at Les Cabinotiers will sit down, think about it, make some sketches - and turn it into a tangible reality.