Property of the Original Owner
1029Σ
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 43050/000P-9038
Mercator, China map
A “like-new”, extremely rare and intricate limited edition platinum wristwatch with retrograde hours and minutes, polychrome champlevé enamel dial depicting China and presentation box, one of a limited edition of 6 pieces
- Estimate
- HK$320,000 - 500,000€35,400 - 55,300$41,000 - 64,100
HK$889,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Vacheron Constantin
- Year
- 2002
- Reference No
- 43050/000P-9038
- Movement No
- 862’088
- Case No
- 756’192
- Model Name
- Mercator, China map
- Material
- Platinum
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 1120, 36 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Crocodile
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18K white gold Vacheron Constantin deployant clasp
- Dimensions
- 36mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin certificate of authenticity dated 8th February 2005 confirming its date of manufacture of the present timepiece in 2002, loupe, product literature, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Vacheron Constantin's exquisitely designed Mercator wristwatch was released in 1994 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the scholar’s death, reflecting his legacy through its intricate design. The retrograde hour and minute hands resemble the legs of a handheld compass, while the stunning polychrome champlevé enamel dial features a depiction of China from a map dating to circa 1619. This dial—and indeed, the very concept of the watch—was crafted by Belgian master enamellers Lucie and Jean Genbrugge, who specialize in creating ultra-thin miniature paintings on enamel.
Making its auction debut in this configuration, the dial prominently displays China, along with Korea and a small portion of Japan on the right side. This particular example, made of platinum, is confirmed by its certificate of authenticity as part of a limited edition of only 6 pieces produced exclusively for the Chinese market.
Consigned directly from the original owner, both the platinum and yellow gold variants (the next lot) were purchased at the same time and this particular example has hardly been worn since the early 2000s. The dial is beautifully preserved, with its vivid enamel serving as a true testament to the intersection of history, art, culture and watchmaking.
Making its auction debut in this configuration, the dial prominently displays China, along with Korea and a small portion of Japan on the right side. This particular example, made of platinum, is confirmed by its certificate of authenticity as part of a limited edition of only 6 pieces produced exclusively for the Chinese market.
Consigned directly from the original owner, both the platinum and yellow gold variants (the next lot) were purchased at the same time and this particular example has hardly been worn since the early 2000s. The dial is beautifully preserved, with its vivid enamel serving as a true testament to the intersection of history, art, culture and watchmaking.
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.