PIECE UNIQUE – REF. 6630C/000R-B664
“La Musique du Temps” is a one-of-a-kind creation crafted within the Les Cabinotiers department as a tribute to the musical arts. As partners of Vacheron, Abbey Road Studios have recorded an original sonic print delivered as a unique certificate for each of these models.
The unique Les Cabinotiers Minute repeater ultra-thin – A romantic note is powered by the 1731 calibre, an ultra-thin movement featuring carefully studied acoustics. Its classic style exuding a very refined look, embellished with Arabic numerals appearing in an original font on a Grand Feu enamel dial, makes this 41 mm-diameter timepiece a timepiece for connoisseurs: only the minute repeater slide piece hints at its true nature as a complicated watch.
The history of the 1731 caliber
The main characteristic of the 1731 caliber (thus named in a nod to Jean-Marc Vacheron’s birth year) is its extreme thinness for a minute repeater movement. At just 3.9mm, it is only slightly thicker than its predecessor the 1755 caliber dating from 1992 because of its impressive 65-hour power reserve. It took four years to solve this most complex equation: to create a minute repeater movement, combining slimness, a pure sound, pleasing aesthetics, reliability and robustness. Moreover, the technical feats are not confined to the challenge of extreme thinness, since the 1731 caliber is equipped with one of the most ingenious devices developed in 2007 for the 2755 movement another member of this exclusive family of minute repeater calibers a flying strike governor that is entirely silent, unlike conventional lever-type governors, and is tasked with regulating the rate at which the hammers strike the gongs.
Acoustics, the real raison d’être of a minute repeater, was the focus of attention. To ensure the sound is crystal clear and perfectly harmonious, several different technical choices had to be made. The gongs are thus not only connected to the case middle so as to amplify the sound, but also superimposed, rather than aligned side by side. The two rose gold cases are designed to form a single entity with the movement, in a composition that incorporates such subtle parameters as the circulation of air between the mechanism and the case in order to ensure optimal note propagation. The case has also been seamlessly constructed so that the elements can interact metal to metal and thus increase the amplitude of the sound.
A sonic print certified by Abbey Road Studios
Sound and music have always played a role in the Maison’s partnerships, the latest of which is with Abbey Road Studios, a name closely associated with iconic artists such as The Beatles, Adele and Oasis. In collaboration with the studios, Vacheron Constantin launched its Fiftysix® collection, backed by the “One of not Many” campaign. The partnership also has a role to play for “La Musique du Temps”, as Vacheron Constantin entrusts Abbey Road Studios with recording the unique sound of each model.
“Above and beyond extremely similar values, Abbey Road Studios and Vacheron Constantin work closely together on creative collaborations involving both content creation and sharing expertise. Entrusting the production of the sound prints of our pieces to an internationally recognised expert in the recording world is an integral part of our collaborative endeavours,” explains Laurent Perves, CMO of Vacheron Constantin.
For the first time, the repeater watches from the “La Musique du Temps” range have a unique sound imprint, recorded and certified by Abbey Road Studios. “The opportunity to capture the sonic identity of these incredible timepieces is a privilege,” explains Jeremy Huffelmann, Head of Partnerships at Abbey Road Studios. “These recordings perfectly encapsulate the shared values of craftsmanship, expertise and excellence that define our collaboration, whilst forever preserving the personality of these singular timepieces.”
Technical Specifications:
The case, in 18kt rose gold, measures 41mm x 8.5mm. It has double sapphire crystals. Slide piece on the left of the case to engage the complication.
Movement is the Swiss ultra-thin (3.9mm) manual-wind Vacheron Constantin in-house caliber 1731 with 36 jewels, 21,600 vph and a power reserve of 65 hours. Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece. Functions are: hours, minutes, and minute repeater (hours, quarters and minutes on demand).
The dial is 18kt gold, enamelled Grand Feu “coquille d’oeuf”. 12 Arabic numerals enamelled in black done in an original leaning font used for railroad time-keeping. Black hands.
It comes on a brown Mississippiensis alligator leather strap with alligator leather inner shell, hand-stitched, saddlefinish, and with large square scales. 18kt rose gold buckle.
It comes in a luxury presentation box.
