The Les Cabinotiers Le Temps Divin collection by Vacheron Constantin embodies a harmonious fusion of haute horology and Japanese cultural mythology. Featuring three unique timepieces, each represents a Japanese deity—Izanagi, Amaterasu, and Konohanasakuya-hime—through meticulous artistry and technical mastery. These one-of-a-kind creations transcend mere functionality, serving as philosophical expressions of time and artistry.
Artistic Design
Each timepiece features an exquisite 18K gold dial, adorned with hand-engraving and Grand Feu miniature enamel, combining three techniques:
- Intaglio Engraving: The master engraver etches intricate details to represent ethereal elements such as mist, clouds, and water. The precision microgrooves create velvety textures and shimmering reflections, enhancing the visual depth.
- Grisaille Enamel: Using Limoges white enamel, the initial silhouette of the kami is formed with chiaroscuro effects.
- Miniature Enamel: Layers of vibrant colors are painstakingly painted and fired up to seven times at 800–900°C, resulting in unparalleled chromatic richness and depth.
Each dial takes approximately three weeks to complete, showcasing Vacheron Constantin’s dedication to craftsmanship.
The Deities and Their Representations
Ode to Izanagi (Reference: 2400C/000G-160C)
- Mythology: The god of creation who shaped the Japanese archipelago with his sacred spear.
- Design: Depicts Izanagi poised with his spear over a swirling ocean, evoking the primordial chaos of creation.
- Technical Details:
- Case: 18K white gold, 40mm diameter, 9.4mm thickness.
- Movement: Caliber 2460, self-winding with a 40-hour power reserve.
- Strap: Dark brown alligator leather, hand-stitched.
Ode to Amaterasu (Reference: 1420C/000J-161C)
- Mythology: The sun goddess, symbolizing the divine lineage of Japanese emperors and agricultural abundance.
- Design: Features Amaterasu in ceremonial attire, surrounded by radiant sun motifs and a sakaki branch.
- Technical Details:
- Case: 18K 2N yellow gold, 36mm diameter, 8mm thickness.
- Movement: Caliber 1440, self-winding with a 42-hour power reserve.
- Strap: Red satin with beige lining, hand-stitched.
Ode to Konohanasakuya-hime (Reference: 1420C/000G-162C)
- Mythology: The goddess of Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms, embodying the fleeting beauty of life.
- Design: Displays the goddess amidst cherry blossoms and the silhouette of Mount Fuji, wearing a traditional jūnihitoe (12-layer court attire).
- Technical Details:
- Case: 18K white gold, 36mm diameter, 8mm thickness.
- Movement: Caliber 1440, self-winding with a 42-hour power reserve.
- Strap: Pink satin with beige lining, hand-stitched.
Technical Excellence
Each model adheres to Vacheron Constantin‘s commitment to excellence:
- Hallmark of Geneva Certification: Ensuring the highest standards of craftsmanship.
- Self-Winding Movements: Feature optimal power reserves (40–42 hours) and precise 4Hz frequency (28,800 vibrations per hour).
Presentation and Exclusivity
- Each timepiece is a “pièce unique”—a singular creation engraved with its unique hallmark.
- Presented in a luxurious box befitting its extraordinary artistry.
The Les Cabinotiers Le Temps Divin series is a testament to Vacheron Constantin’s ability to intertwine cultural narratives with horological ingenuity, offering a timeless tribute to Japan’s mythological heritage. These extraordinary timepieces resonate deeply with collectors seeking artistry, tradition, and exclusivity.
Questions to Sandrine Donguy, Product & Innovation Director
For these models, Vacheron Constantin evokes a metaphysical vision of Time. Can you explain?
The theme of the new Les Cabinotiers collection is Le Temps Divin, aiming to explore the various notions linked to the concept of Time – whether physical, cyclical and metaphysical – from a naturally horological standpoint. Mythological stories provide an excellent narrative context for illustrating these different meanings of the term. Hence the reference to the divine, understood as a universe where the deities enact the laws of the Universe and therefore of time. The pantheon of the ancients features tutelary figures to whom these different notions refer. There was however no question of confining ourselves to the Greco-Roman tradition alone. One of Vacheron Constantin’s hallmarks is its openness to the world and to the different cultures it has encountered in the course of its commercial development since the early 19th century. With this new theme, the aim was to pay tribute to this cultural diversity that can be found in the Maison’s historical collections, by calling upon artistic crafts and on the ingenuity of Vacheron Constantin’s watchmakers. In this context, Shintoism provided an excellent field of study.
Which techniques were chosen for these three timepieces?
To bring these divinities to life, it was necessary to achieve perfect definition of lines and colouring, yet within an ethereal, almost blurred setting in order to give depth to these compositions that were created asymmetrically, in accordance with Japanese tradition. A single technique was therefore not enough. Engraving, which takes around 20 hours per dial, is used to set the scene, while the accuracy of miniature enamel painting lends a touch of realism to the painting after three weeks of painstaking work.
Why these deities?
This choice reflects the research carried out, which highlighted these divinities from Japanese myth not only for the central role they play in this cosmology, but also because of the ‘graphic’ depictions they inspired. It’s always a question of finding the right balance between the themes chosen, the way they are created and sensitivity to artistic crafts.
