19
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 43050
Mercator
A rare and very fine yellow gold automatic wristwatch with retrograde hours and minutes with polychrome cloisonné enamel “Portugal” dial
- Estimate
- CHF25,000 - 50,000€26,700 - 53,400$28,000 - 56,100
CHF82,550
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Vacheron Constantin
- Year
- 2004
- Reference No
- 43050
- Movement No
- 861’542
- Case No
- 684’330 and 6
- Model Name
- Mercator
- Material
- 18K yellow gold
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 1102/2, 36 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18k yellow gold Vacheron Constantin clasp
- Dimensions
- 36mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming production in 2004
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
- Vacheron Constantin’s Mercator wristwatch pays homage to Gerard Mercator, the 16th-century German-Flemish cartographer, geographer, and cosmographer. He was born in Antwerp in 1592 and became the most well-known cartographer of his time. He developed the Mercator projection, a method still used today, which rendered the configuration of the terrestrial globe on to a flat surface, becoming the standard for nautical purposes. He created a new world map in 1569 using this method, and it was a marvel of contemporary geography. Mercator was one of few scholars of the time that did not travel widely; most of his knowledge and skills were gained from his personal library of over 1,000 maps and books, as well as his correspondences with other scholars, statesmen, travelers, and seamen.
- Vacheron Constantin’s uniquely designed Mercator wristwatch was released in 1994 for the 400th anniversary of the scholar’s death and pays homage to him through its unique design. The retrograde hour and minute indicators resemble the legs of a handheld compass, while the stunning cloisonné enamel dial of “Portugal” is rendered based on his map and configuration.
- The dial is the work of master enamellers Lucie and Jean Genbrugge, and signed with their signature, and is one of only ten examples with this dial.
- Vacheron Constantin’s uniquely designed Mercator wristwatch was released in 1994 for the 400th anniversary of the scholar’s death and pays homage to him through its unique design. The retrograde hour and minute indicators resemble the legs of a handheld compass, while the stunning cloisonné enamel dial of “Portugal” is rendered based on his map and configuration.
- The dial is the work of master enamellers Lucie and Jean Genbrugge, and signed with their signature, and is one of only ten examples with this dial.
Vacheron Constantin
Swiss | 1755The 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.
Browse MakerKey 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.