The Les Cabinotiers Caravelle 1950 is a unique timepiece, a micromechanical masterpiece with a 39 mm diameter case in 4N pink gold replica Vacheron Constantin watches housing the in-house caliber 4400, inspired by a piece from the 1950s in the Maison’s collection. The cloisonné enamel dial, crafted by Atelier Anita Porchet, is a poetic depiction of a sailboat sailing on the waves.
With the exclusive Les Cabinotiers Caravelle 1950, Vacheron Constantin sails alongside the great explorers of history. The Caravelle, the ship of choice for medieval voyages, helped the Portuguese navigator Bartolomeu Dias reach the Cape of Good Hope in 1487 and Christopher Columbus discover the New World five years later. Vacheron Constantin’s enameled dials are an artistic re-creation of the Caravelle, a reminder of the epic adventures of the intrepid navigators. To create the enamel dial, the Atelier Anita Porchet’s leading enamellers drew their inspiration from the Vacheron Constantin collection’s reference number 4308, a rare model launched in 1950.
This timepiece follows the design of the prototype watch, which used cloisonné enamel. This technique, which originated in ancient Egypt, spread throughout the world with the goldsmiths of the Eastern Roman Empire. The artisan first outlines the pattern with a thin sheet of metal or gold wire, and after fixing it to the base plate, the enamel is filled with enamel and fired continuously. The more colorful the pattern, the more complex the glazing and firing process, and the risk of failure that accompanies each firing, which can lead to ruin if you are not careful. Once the firing is complete, a delicate smoothing and polishing technique is applied to add a unique glow to the gold filigree “zone” enamel pattern.
A Tribute to the Spirit of the Sea
On the richly coloured dial, a gold bar-shaped hand follows the passage of time over gold Roman numerals and “pearl” hour markers. In tribute to the age of the sea, the enamel dial is adorned with a gold star. This star symbolizes the North Star, the star and sextant used by navigators to measure the position of their ships in the oceans. Accompanying the Caravelle is the brand’s own 4400 hand-wound movement, which beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, powering the hour and minute functions. The movement is only 2.8 mm thick and is housed in a 39 mm diameter case in 4N pink gold.
General information
With the unique Les Cabinotiers Caravelle 1950, Vacheron Constantin sails alongside the great explorers of history. The brand’s enameled dials are an artistic re-creation of the Caravelle,perfect replica watches a reminder of the epic adventures of the intrepid navigators. To create the enamel dial, the Atelier Anita Porchet’s leading enamellers drew their inspiration from the Vacheron Constantin Reference No. 4308, a rare model from the 1950s. This timepiece follows the design of the prototype, using cloisonné enamel, a technique that originated in ancient Egypt. In tribute to the era of the Great Sea, the enameled dial is adorned with a gold star. This star symbolizes the North Star, the star and sextant used by navigators to measure the position of ships in the oceans. Accompanying the Caravelle is the brand’s in-house 4400 hand-wound movement, which beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and powers the hour and minute displays. The movement is only 2.8 mm thick and is housed in a 39 mm diameter case in 4N pink gold.
Technical specifications
Les Cabinotiers Loft Artisan “Caravelle Sailboat” 1950
Model 1110C/000R-B612
Movement 4400
Developed and manufactured by Vacheron Constantin itself
Mechanical hand-wound movement
Diameter 28.60 mm (121/2 fractions), thickness 2.80 mm.
Power reserve approx. 65 hours
Vibration frequency 4 hertz (28,800 vibrations per hour)
127 parts
21 gems.
Chronographs certified by the Hallmark of Geneva
Display function hour, minute
Case 18K 4N pink gold
Diameter 39 mm, thickness 10.40 mm
Dial 18-carat gold, cloisonné enamel motif of a Caravelle sailboat
18-carat gold hour-markers, 4 Roman numerals, 8 “bead” hour-markers
Strap Bordeaux red double Mississippi alligator leather strap with alligator leather lining, hand-stitched, riding stitcher
Art, Large Checkered
Clasp 18K 4N pink gold buckle
Polished half-Maltese cross design
Display Boxes and Accessories Les Cabinotiers Attic Craftsman Exclusive Styles
A unique timepiece.
The back of the watch is engraved with the words “Pièce unique” and “Les Cabinotiers”.