Time is the ultimate measure of value. When Vacheron Constantin unveiled the Ref.57260 in 2015—a grand complication wristwatch boasting 57 functions—the world marveled at its technical mastery and boundary-pushing craftsmanship. Yet, merely nine years later, the Swiss manufacture has stunned the horological community again with its latest creation: "Les Cabinotiers The Berkley Grand Complication" (hereafter "The Berkley"), which shatters records with an astonishing 63 complications. This achievement transcends numerical supremacy, representing instead a profound homage to traditional watchmaking and the relentless pursuit of innovation.
Far from being a mere accumulation of functions, "The Berkley" exemplifies the perfect fusion of haute horlogerie and cultural depth. Alongside traditional complications like a triple-axis tourbillon, perpetual calendar, and chronograph, it features a world-first: a Chinese perpetual calendar. This groundbreaking feature underscores Vacheron Constantin's technical prowess while demonstrating respect for global cultural traditions.
"The Berkley" is no standalone marvel but rather shares profound connections with its predecessor, Ref.57260. Both timepieces were born from Vacheron Constantin's Les Cabinotiers department, representing the pinnacle of the brand's watchmaking artistry. Development of "The Berkley" actually commenced before Ref.57260's completion, making them horological siblings.
While Ref.57260 celebrated Vacheron Constantin's 260th anniversary, "The Berkley" was commissioned by a private collector—William R. Berkley, the same connoisseur who owns Ref.57260. A prominent insurance executive and chairman of New York University's Board of Trustees, Berkley is both a loyal Vacheron Constantin client and an avid collector of grand complications, including the legendary "King Farouk" pocket watch.
Berkley challenged Vacheron Constantin to surpass Ref.57260's achievements. The result preserves core mechanisms like the triple-axis tourbillon and striking mechanisms while introducing bold innovations.
The most significant departure from Ref.57260 is "The Berkley's" replacement of the Hebrew calendar with the groundbreaking Chinese perpetual calendar—a feat requiring 11 years of development. Unlike Western calendars, the Chinese lunisolar system presents extraordinary complexity, with variable year lengths (353-355 days for common years; 383-385 for leap years), months alternating between 29-30 days, and intercalary months added every 2-3 years, creating six possible annual configurations.
Additionally, "The Berkley" displays the Chinese calendar's 60-year cycle (combining celestial stems and earthly branches), 24 solar terms, and moon phases. Remarkably, this mechanism won't require adjustment until 2200—a 180-year programming achievement. At that time, replacing a single gear will enable another 180 years of precision.
Beyond its calendar innovations, "The Berkley" showcases meticulous refinements. Per Berkley's request, it incorporates a night silence feature (10 PM to 8 AM) for its striking mechanisms and hides the chiming mainspring's winding crown to preserve aesthetic purity.
Renowned horological critic Dr. Hirota, who examined Ref.57260, praised Vacheron Constantin's dedication. When asked whether the brand would create an even more complex watch after Ref.57260, Vacheron Constantin initially responded negatively due to contractual obligations. That the same collector later commissioned "The Berkley" speaks volumes about this timepiece's exceptional nature.
"The Berkley" transcends watchmaking to become a cultural artifact—one that embodies human ingenuity in measuring time and understanding the cosmos. While its full complexity defies brief description, this masterpiece will undoubtedly claim a prominent place in horological history.
담당자: Ms. Caly Chan
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