In Depth: Replica Vacheron Constantin Maitre Cabinotier Astronomica

The Maitre Cabinotier Astronomica, the jewel in the crown among the Vacheron Constantin watches on display at Watch Replicas UK & Wonders 2014 which ended yesterday 2 October, is a “beast” with 15 complications, a tribute to mechanical Haute Horlogerie at the service of astronomy.

It is a unique piece that draws inspiration from the Tour de l’Ile released in 2005. At the time it was the most complicated wristwatch in the world (editor’s note: the most complicated one was the famous Patek Philippe Calbre 89 pocket watch) .

The Caliber 2755-B1 that powers the Maître Cabinotier Astronomica is among the most complex ever made by the brand, and among other things features complications focused on reading the stars. In addition to the hours and minutes, there are eleven complications on board, the latter all marked on the front dial.

The equation of time is indicated through a short sphere at 10 and 30 o’clock and as you already know it is absolutely one of the most fascinating astronomical complications. It marks the difference between the calendar year and the solar year. By convention it has been decided that each year lasts 365.25 days, each day in 24 hours and each hour in 60 minutes. The equation of time instead marks with the sole help of cams, levers and wheels the real time, the one traced by the Sun during its elliptical orbits which therefore changes according to the day in a range -16/+16 minutes.

The tourbillon is in its traditional place at 6 o’clock. The upper bridge is as usual in the shape of the Maltese Cross, symbol of the Maison, and, making a complete rotation in one minute, also functions as a small seconds indicator.

This last indication is absolutely necessary because it allows the watchmakers in the Cabinotier department to adjust the sky chart according to the reference city chosen by the customer. The small hand, pointing to the edge of the first level of the dial, provides information regarding the age of the Moon, i.e. the number of days that have passed since the last full moon.

In a show piece of this kind, obviously the finishes are also at the highest levels: starting from the perlage of the mainplate, passing through the chamfering of the bridges decorated with Cótes de Genève, to grasp the beveling of the bars of the tourbillon cage.

The white gold case measures 47 mm in diameter, enormous but standard dimensions for ultra-complicated timepieces like this. More details on the manufacturer’s website.

Concluding and always remaining within its XXL measurements, assuming you become the second, third… etc. lucky owner of a Maitre Cabinotier Astronomica, would you think about wearing it while traveling on the subway?