The “La Musique du Temps®” is an assortment of one-of-a-kind creations crafted within the Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers department as a tribute to the musical arts. The new unique Les Cabinotiers ultra-thin minute repeater models from the “La Musique du Temps®” series, featuring 41 and 39 mm diameters, beat to the rhythm set by the 1731 calibre, an ultra-thin movement with meticulously developed acoustics.
Their pure, refined style is accentuated by Grand Feu enamel dials adorned with precious stone hour-markers. The small model is also graced with a row of brilliant-cut diamonds on its lugs and bezel.
The main characteristic of the 1731 calibre (thus named in a nod to Jean-Marc Vacheron’s birth year) is its extreme thinness for a minute repeater movement. At just 3.90 mm, it is only slightly thicker than its predecessor – the 1755 calibre 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 calibre 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 calibres – a flying strike governor that is entirely silent, unlike conventional lever-type governors, and is tasked with regulating the rate at which 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 pink 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.
Both Cabinotiers Minute repeater ultra-thin – The dance of stones models are presented in 18K 5N pink gold cases, respectively measuring 41 mm and 39 mm in diameter. The latter is the first ladies’ minute repeater model offered by the Maison in this size. Its bezel is adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds, which also sparkle on the lugs, as well as on the crown set with a cabochon.
Both versions feature a Grand Feu enamel dial, one of the most demanding enamelling techniques, whose eggshell white colour makes a perfect match with the classicism of the models. The 18-carat gold dauphine-type hands complete this aesthetic harmony, punctuated by hour-markers in ruby.
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.
Technical details
Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Minute repeater ultra-thin – The dance of gemstones, La Musique du Temps® Collection
Movement
Calibre 1731
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin mechanical manual-winding
32.80 mm (14 ¼) diameter, 3.90 mm thick
Movement power reserve: approximately 65 hours
3 Hz (21,600 vibrations/hour)
265 components
36 jewels
Hallmark of Geneva certified timepiece
Indications
Hours, minutes,
Minute repeater (hours, quarters and minutes on request)
Reference 6630C/000R-B662, 41mm, Gent’s Version
Case
18K 5N pink gold
41 mm diameter, 8.52 mm thick
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Dial
18K gold, eggshell white Grand Feu enamel
12 applied hours-markers in rubies totalling 0.42 carats
Strap
Red Mississippiensis alligator leather with alligator leather inner shell, hand-stitched, saddle-finish, large square scales
Clasp
18K 5N pink gold buckle
Polished half Maltese cross-shaped
Rarity
Unique timepiece
“Pièce unique” and “Les Cabinotiers” engraved on the back of the timepiece
Reference 6605C/000R-B661, 39mm, Ladies’ Version
Case
18K 5N pink gold
39 mm diameter, 8.53 mm thick
Bezel set with 102 round-cut diamonds for a total weight of 1.90 carats
Transparent sapphire crystal caseback
Dial
18K gold, eggshell white Grand Feu enamel
12 applied hours-markers in sapphires for a total weight of 0.42 carats
Strap
Red Mississippiensis alligator leather, large square scales
Clasp
18K 5N pink gold buckle
Polished half Maltese cross-shaped
Rarity
Unique timepiece
“Pièce unique” and “Les Cabinotiers” engraved on the back of the timepiece
