Vacheron Constantin Ref. 57260 - the world's most complicated pocket watch 1kg

There is a new record holder in the world of fine watches: The Swiss watch manufacturer Vacheron Constantin has built the most complicated watch in the world with the pocket watch "Reference 57260".

No mechanical watch currently offers more complications than the new "Reference 57260", the record-breaking watch weighs one kilo

The record-breaking watch from Vacheron Constantin weighs one kilo, has a diameter of almost ten centimeters and a thickness of five centimeters

The "Reference 57260" is a one-off piece for an as yet unknown buyer. The manufacturer has also remained silent about the price. However, the watch is likely worth at least five million dollars, according to media reports, as its construction has virtually smashed previous records for mechanical watches; the construction of the "Reference 57260" took eight years.

The watch features 57 complications. It took Vacheron Constantin a total of eight years to complete, with three master mechanics assembling the model. Among the multitude of additional functions, the tourbillon , considered the pinnacle of watchmaking, stands out.

The word tourbillon comes from the French and means whirlwind. The name is quite appropriate for such watches, as the rotating carriage moves completely freely. This is how watchmakers once wanted to counteract the effects of gravity. The technology was developed over 200 years ago by Abraham-Louis Breguet.

The watchmaking pioneer used the component in a pocket watch. These watches usually rested horizontally in their owners' vest pockets, with serious consequences for their accuracy – gravity slowed down the moving parts in the stationary movement.

Tourbillon made of aluminum

With this complex construction, Breguet outsmarted gravity. In the "Reference 57260," Vacheron Constantin uses ultralight aluminum for the small metal cage. Other highlights of the "Reference 57260" include the perpetual calendars. The watch features two: a Gregorian and a Hebrew calendar, each operating on a 19-year cycle.

Also on board is an alarm function. Five steel gongs chime the peals of Big Ben, the clock at Westminster Palace in London.

Source: t-online.e