Wristwatch Displaying Time, Celestial Bodies, and Oceanic Movements
Vacheron Constantin, a renowned name in the world of haute horlogerie, has just introduced a groundbreaking timepiece that pushes the boundaries of watchmaking complexity – the Solaria Ultra Grand Complication. Officially the most complicated ever created by the brand, this extraordinary watch boasts an impressive 41 complications, combining a vast array of functions into one timepiece.
The Solaria Ultra Grand Complication is housed in a 45mm white gold case, precisely 14.99mm thick, making it slightly smaller than your average Seamaster. The watch's mechanical heart, the Caliber 3655, is a marvel in itself, composed of 1,521 components and 204 jewels.
This movement is divided into two major modules. The first module is responsible for timekeeping, chronograph functions, and chiming mechanisms, while the second is dedicated to delivering complex celestial indications. The latter includes five rare astronomical complications that track various aspects of the Sun’s behavior, as well as a world-first feature that measures the time remaining until a chosen star enters the wearer’s field of view.
In addition to traditional grand complication functions such as a split-seconds chronograph, minute repeater, and likely a tourbillon, the Solaria Ultra Grand Complication also boasts innovative features. One such feature is a split-second chronograph used for star tracking, coordinated with a celestial chart on the back of the watch. Another unique aspect is the dual-sapphire sky chart, allowing for tracking constellations in real-time.
The creation of the Solaria Ultra Grand Complication required eight years of development and 13 patent applications, showcasing an extraordinary level of technical and creative innovation. With its record-breaking complexity and integration of advanced astronomical data, this watch stands out as a pinnacle of haute horlogerie in 2025.
However, it's important to note that the price of the Solaria Ultra Grand Complication is rumored to be quite high, making it potentially unsuitable for a Christmas gift. Despite this, the watch's unique blend of mechanical complexity, astronomical functions, and traditional grand complication features make it a fascinating addition to any watch enthusiast's collection.
The Solaria Ultra Grand Complication, housed within a white gold case, showcases a blend of high-end gadgets and technology, featuring a mechanism divided into modules for timekeeping, chronograph functions, chiming mechanisms, and complex celestial indications, complete with rare astronomical complications and innovative star-tracking features. This extraordinary watch, a testament to haute horlogerie, boasts an impressive 41 complications, making it a worthwhile addition to any watch enthusiast's wearables collection.
