The Innovation Behind Vacheron Constantin

THERE ARE FEW fine watch brands that are as prolific as Vacheron Constantin - rolling out several new high complication timepieces at one go, while its competitors manage to put out only one or two at a time. This year, the world's oldest watch manufacturer unveiled at least four new models, all among the most sophisticated complications: a "breakthrough" user controlled dual frequency function perpetual calendar; a one-of-a-kind minute repeater-perpetual calendar; an ultra-thin perpetual calendar; and the first tourbillon in its travel watch collection.

The brand speaks of its long history and watchmaking expertise: "Over its 264 years of horological excellence, Vacheron Constantin has established an unshakeable reputation for meaningful innovation in technical and design domains." This is no empty boast. Among the brand's creations is the world's most complicated watch - Ref 57260, a pocket timepiece which has an astounding 57 complications. It has also produced the Les Cabinotiers Celestia Astronomical Grand Complication 3600, the world's most complicated wristwatch with 23 complications.

Vacheron Constantin continued in this vein of innovation this year with the Traditionnelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar, a complication timepiece that saves you the trouble of resetting a perpetual calendar after it is put away for some time.