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TheLes Cabinotiers The Berkley Grand Complication was the talk of the 2024 Watches & Wonders fair. Technically a pocket watch, it is in fact much more than that—tipping the scales at nearly one kilogram! That’s hardly surprising considering it features 63 complications and is composed of 2,877 components. Just deciphering its name reveals its extraordinary complexity and value. The Les Cabinotiers line from Vacheron Constantin comprises exclusive, one-off haute horlogerie masterpieces, often personalized to suit the taste and desires of each client. The term Grand Complication denotes a watch that includes, at minimum, a minute repeater, rattrapante chronograph(split–second) andperpetual calendar. In this case, it’s a très Grand Complication—with 63 complications!
TheLes Cabinotiers The Berkley Grand Complication is a record-breaking marvel that surpasses Vacheron Constantin’s own 2015 Reference 57260, which boasted 57 complications. One of its most unique features is a Chinese perpetual calendar, something never before attempted in watchmaking. Given the calendar’s complex and irregular lunar cycle, programming the Calibre 3752 through the year 2200 was a monumental task requiring exceptional horological intelligence.
The development spanned 11 years, one of which was dedicated entirely to assembling the movement. But the result is nothing short of breathtaking. It was commissioned by American businessman, philanthropist, and collector Mr. Berkley, who proudly stated: “The result is a horological masterpiece—the most complicated watch in the world. I doubt any other house would have been prepared to undertake such a Herculean challenge.”
The case of the Les Cabinotiers The Berkley Grand Complication is made of 18K white gold, with a diameter of 98 mm, thickness of 50.55 mm, and weight of 980 grams. Its dials are crafted from silver opaline. The in-house Calibre 3752 is hand-wound, double-sided, and built on 9 levels, offering a 60-hour power reserve. It comprises 2.877 parts, 245 jewels, 31 hands and 9 disks.
Every possible complication is included—and in its most advanced form. For example, the chronograph is not standard but rattrapante. The moon phase is so precise that it requires adjustment only once every 1,027 years. The Gregorian perpetual calendar follows the ISO 8601 standard. The small seconds are retrograde and even compensate for the return time of the hand. The tourbillon rotates on not one, but three axes. The sky chart moves in sync with the sidereal day (23 hours, 56 minutes, 4.09 seconds). The day/night indication for the second time zone is displayed via azimuthal polar projection, offering a unique geographical perspective.
Here’s how the 63 complications break down by category:
As mentioned, the Les Cabinotiers The Berkley Grand Complication is a one-off, privately owned piece. However, Vacheron Constantin’s current collection is available in Greece exclusively at Imanoglou, located at 3 Stadiou Street, Syntagma, Athens.
