963Σ

Vacheron Constantin

Ref. 86070/000R-9297

Métiers d’Art "Les Masques", Indonesian Wayang Topeng

Estimate
HK$320,000 - 500,000
€37,500 - 58,500
$41,000 - 64,100
HK$635,000
Lot Details
Manufacturer
Vacheron Constantin
Year
2008
Reference No
86070/000R-9297
Movement No
5’149’198
Case No
1'144'049
Model Name
Métiers d’Art "Les Masques", Indonesian Wayang Topeng
Material
18K pink gold
Calibre
Automatic, cal. 2460, 27 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Crocodile
Clasp/Buckle
18K pink gold Vacheron Constantin deployant clasp
Dimensions
40mm diameter
Signed
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
Accessories
Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Certificate of Authenticity dated 22nd April 2008, Certificate of Origin, service booklet, chronometer certificate dated 24th October 2007 and hang tags.

Catalogue Essay

The present timepiece features a micro-sculpture of an Indonesian Wayang Topeng antique mask from the collection. Wayang Topeng refers to the historical theatrical art form from Bali, a drama of masked dance, music, mime and comedy mostly based on the stories of the Panji-cycle, which is a collection of Javanese stories revolving around the legendary Prince Panji and Princess Kirana. The facial feature on the mask bears a striking resemblance to Prince Panji, with the embroidered headcloth, curling moustache and high eyebrows.
The automatic calibre 2460 G4, bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva, allows the mask to sit on the centre of the dial without interrupted by the hands, instead the hour, minute, day and date are shown on four discs displayed in four separate apertures. The transparent dial tastefully reveals the four wheels and beautifully finished details of the movement, accentuating the layering and sense of depth on the dial, making the engraved micro-sculpture appear to be floating on air.
Tilting the watch sideways would reveal shimmering golden letters encircling the dial, piecing together a French poem written by Michel Butor, a celebrated poet who was awarded the Grand Prix de Littérature de l'Académie française in 2013. Dedicated specifically to this timepiece, it masterfully depicts the tantalizing desire found on the facial expression of the mask.
Loosely translated, the poem reads,
“Enjôleur mon regard détaille les formes des filles qui passent mes sourcils sont comme un oiseau qui va s’envoler pour tourner autour de sa proie mes moustaches comme des serpents préparés à bondir lors du moindre signe de faiblesse ou d’acquiescement”
(My beguiling gaze details the shapes of the girls who pass by my eyebrows are like a bird that is about to fly away to circle around its prey my moustache like snakes prepared to pounce at the slightest sign of weakness or acquiescence.)
Impeccably showcasing the phenomenal craftsmanship of the engraver, the present timepiece is a breathtaking work of art distinguished by its mesmerizing primitive aesthetics, culminating an artistic and poetic union of humanity and high horology. Offered in excellent overall condition and accompanied by its original certificate, the present lot will surely be appealing to passionate watch and art collectors.

Vacheron Constantin

Swiss | 1755

The world's oldest watch brand in continuous operation since its founding in 1755, Vacheron Constantin was the first watch company to manufacture movements with interchangeable parts beginning in 1839. Vacheron's watches are admired for their Latin-influenced case designs, well-balanced proportions and exquisitely finished movements of the highest quality. The Geneva-based manufacturer is known for their highly complicated masterpieces, including the King Farouk Grand Complication made in 1935, the Tour de l'Ile that was the most complicated serially produced wristwatch when introduced in 2005 and the 57260 — the world’s most complicated watch — made in 2015.


Key vintage models include minute repeating wristwatches such as the references 4261, chronographs such as the references 4178 and 6087 and the oversized Cioccolotone models such as ref. 4737. Collectors also appreciate Vacheron's Chronometer Royal pocket and wristwatches, as well as the '222,' the brand's first luxury sports watch produced from 1977 through 1984.

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