US import tariffs: Non-US origin lots in this sale (including watches and timepieces with Swiss-made or non-US made movements) will be subject to special tariffs upon import to the USA, currently ranging from 10% to 39% on the total invoice price (hammer price plus buyer’s premium). Buyers are responsible for paying any applicable tariffs, duties, taxes and charges when importing their purchased lots. Due to the evolving nature of international trade regulations, we recommend clients consult with their local customs office or advisor for up-to-date information on the applicable tariffs.
43
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 43050
Mercator "Portugal"
A rare and attractive yellow gold wristwatch with retrograde hours and minutes, polychrome cloisonné enamel dial depicting “Portugal”, number 9 of a limited edition of 10 pieces
- Estimate
- CHF25,000 - 50,000€27,000 - 53,900$31,400 - 62,800
CHF114,300
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Vacheron Constantin
- Year
- 2004
- Reference No
- 43050
- Movement No
- 862'113
- Case No
- 673'887, case flank further engraved with limited edition number 9
- Model Name
- Mercator "Portugal"
- Material
- 18k yellow gold
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 1102/2, 36 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Leather
- Clasp/Buckle
- 18k yellow gold Vacheron Constantin deployant clasp
- Dimensions
- 36mm diameter
- Signed
- Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
- Accessories
- Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture in 2004. Furthermore accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Certificate of Origin, service booklet, Geneva seal certificate, book, additional certificate and presentation box.
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. This enamel work of art is in exceptionally well-preserved, original condition
This example, yellow gold is part of a limited edition of only 10 pieces made for the Portuguese market of which the present piece is number 9 as engraved on the case flank. The dial most notably depicts Portugal, part of Spain and the Atlantic Ocean.
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. This enamel work of art is in exceptionally well-preserved, original condition
This example, yellow gold is part of a limited edition of only 10 pieces made for the Portuguese market of which the present piece is number 9 as engraved on the case flank. The dial most notably depicts Portugal, part of Spain and the Atlantic Ocean.
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.