Vacheron Constantin just launched its new Les Cabinotiers watches and they are out of this world

These are some of the most artistically brilliant watches you'll ever see

The Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers Le Temps Divin collection
(Image credit: Vacheron Constantin)
Quick Summary

Vacheron Constantin has unveiled a new Les Cabinotiers Le Temps Divin collection.

This is just about the pinnacle of watchmaking as an art form, with staggering dials.

If you try to pick out the makers of the best watches in the world, there's probably a range of brands which come to mind. Everyone will have a slightly different collection of contenders – half the fun of watch collecting is that we each have our own personal tastes.

If you think its regular output is impressive, though, wait until you hear about its Les Cabinotiers division. Often working on bespoke pieces for esteemed clientele, Les Cabinotiers features a wide range of simply incredible artists producing some of the finest watches out there.

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Now, that division has launched a range of new pieces. There are quite a few to get through, so we won't go into too much detail here, but you can find a full list of all models below:

Le Temps Divin Asian culture, seasons and wood marquetry

  • Les Cabinotiers Tourbillon – Ode to the four Guardians “Azure Dragon”
  • Les Cabinotiers Tourbillon – Ode to the four Guardians “Black Tortoise”
  • Les Cabinotiers Tourbillon – Ode to the four Guardians “Vermilion Bird”
  • Les Cabinotiers Tourbillon – Ode to the four Guardians “White Tiger”

Le Temps Divin Greek mythology, chronometry and engraving

  • Les Cabinotiers Armillary Tourbillon – Ode to Chronos
  • Les Cabinotiers Armillary Tourbillon – Tribute to infinite time

Le Temps Divin Japanese culture, time and artistic crafts

  • Les Cabinotiers – Ode to Amaterasu
  • Les Cabinotiers – Ode to Izanagi
  • Les Cabinotiers – Ode to Konohanasakuya-hime

As you might have guessed from looking at some of these pieces, they don't come into existence without some serious work. The dragon on the dial of the Ode to the four Guardians “Azure Dragon” model, for example, requires a tiny piece of wood for each of the scales. That takes a month and a half to complete a single dial.

Next up there's the engraving on the Ode to Chronos model. Created with relief and a mix of polishing and sandblasting, the engraving on each piece takes 290 hours. Its stablemate – the Tribute to Infinite Time – takes 120 hours to complete, with a technique used to adapt to the changing case shape.

Each of the models on offer retains its piece unique status, and is denoted as such with an engraving on the back of the case. Pricing isn't given on these listings, but expect it to be about triple what you think.

Ultimately, this is near the pinnacle of artistic watchmaking, and that's something which is tough to put a price on.

Sam Cross
Senior Staff Writer

Sam Cross is an award-winning journalist, with nine years of experience in the media industry. His work can be found in publications as diverse as Oracle Time, Metro and Last Word on Sports.

Here at T3, Sam is best known as the brand’s go-to guy for all things luxurious – from exquisite watches to fine fragrances; the latest performance vehicles to intricate audio equipment, and more.

He’s often found travelling around the world to test new launches, complete with high-end backpacks and suitcases in tow. And when he’s not adding to his air miles, Sam can be found in front of a video camera, bringing his distinctive brand of storytelling to T3’s social media channels.

Sam also loves all things analogue including listening to music on vinyl or cassette, and photography on vintage film cameras.