The Vacheron Constantin Berkley Grand Complication: the most complicated watch ever created

One of the most exciting and jaw-breaking releases of Watches and Wonders 2024 is The Vacheron Constantin Berkley Grand Complication, the most complicated watch ever created.

 

Photo source: Vacheron Constantin

 

The Vacheron Constantin Berkley Grand Complication is an extraordinary timepiece that has surpassed its predecessor, the Reference 57260. Commissioned by a collector named Mr. Berkley, this bespoke watch took an impressive 11 years to craft, with the assembly process alone consuming an entire year.

 

Photo source: Vacheron Constantin

 

The Berkley Grand Complication, created by Vacheron Constantin's Les Cabinotiers department, pays homage to the tradition of collectors giving their names to famous complicated watches, similar to Henry Graves and James Ward Packard and their commissioned timepieces from Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.

 

Photo source: Monochrome Watches 

 

The watch shares the same dimensions and appearance as the Reference 57260, featuring an imposing 98mm x 50.55mm case made of 18k white gold. However, the Berkley Grand Complication takes the number of complications even further, from 57 to an incredible 63.

 

Photo source: Hodinkee

 

One of the notable achievements of this timepiece is the inclusion of the first Chinese perpetual calendar in a mechanical watch. The irregularities of the Chinese calendar presented a significant technical challenge, requiring complex algorithms to be translated into a mechanical mechanism. The Chinese perpetual calendar on the Berkley Grand Complication displays the date of the lunar year over a 19-year cycle, incorporating a sexagesimal cycle for the celestial stems and earthly branches.

 

Photo source: Vacheron Constantin

 

The Vacheron Constantin Berkley Grand Complication stands as a testament to human endeavor and adventure. It exemplifies the dedication and skill of the watchmakers involved in such a demanding project and showcases the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking excellence.