Vacheron Constantin Les Cabinotiers – Ode to Amaterasu
Divine Inspiration: Vacheron Constantin’s Les Cabinotiers Le Temps Divin Takes Time to the Sublime
The Maison deftly applies decorative métiers d’art to explore concepts of time with a series of unique pieces.
By Laurie Kahle
Contributor
Vacheron Constantin’s latest Les Cabinotiers collection is a highbrowed horological thought experiment. It turns to Greek mythology to represent linear chronology, iconic Asian animals to symbolize astronomical and cyclical time like the seasons, and Japanese deities to personify the metaphysical interpretation of time.
“The theme of the Le Temps Divin is aiming to explore the various notions linked to the concept of time – whether physical, cyclical, or metaphysical – from a naturally horological standpoint,” says Sandrine Donguy, product & innovation director. “Mythological stories provide an excellent narrative context for illustrating these different meanings of the term.”
This new line consists of three unique families – the Armillary Tourbillon, Ode to the Four Guardians, and Ode to Kami. Within each of these subsets of the collection, there are multiple variations, resulting in a whopping nine timepieces total that demonstrate Vacheron Constantin’s prowess in the way of métiers d’art.
From The Greek
The Armillary Tourbillon family comprises two unique iterations: the Ode to Chronos and Tribute to Infinite Time. The former features a case elaborately engraved with Greek-inspired geometrical friezes culminating with a bas-relief sculpture of the winged god Chronos holding the hourglass of time in his hand on the left side.
“Chronos, father of the hours, was truly inescapable given that he personifies the linear time that is watchmakers’ lifeblood,” says Christian Selmoni, style & heritage director.
Alternatively, its unique sibling, the Tribute to Infinite Time, is engraved with a motif inspired by the dome of Rome’s Pantheon on the sides of the case.
Four Seasons
To portray the seasons, Vacheron’s artisans took inspiration from sacred animals in traditional Asian culture to create four unique tourbillons using wood marquetry in a series labeled Ode to the Four Guardians.
Here, spring is characterized by the Azure Dragon, a symbol of strength and power for the East. Summer is embodied by the Vermilion Bird, representing luck and prosperity for the South. For autumn, the White Tiger epitomizes seriousness and courage for the West.
Finally, the Black Tortoise, symbolizing wisdom and longevity for the North, represents winter.
God Complex
To embody metaphysical time, the brand tapped the combined skills of its engraver and enameller to depict three key Shinto figures: Izanagi, Amaterasu, and Konohanasakuya-hime. This trio of unique pieces depicts these kami (divinities) in ethereal surroundings with dials crafted from a combination of decorative arts: intaglio engraving, grisaille enamel, and miniature enamel.
“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,” says Donguy.
“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.”
Pricing & Availability
Each of the nine stunning new Les Cabinotiers Le Temps Divin models is a piece unique with price available upon request. For more information, visit Vacheron Constantin’s website.
