991Σ︎
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 43060/000J
Audubon Collection, Birds of America: Brown Pelican
An exquisite and divine limited edition yellow gold wristwatch with cloisonné enamel dial signed by Muriel Sechaud, certificate and presentation pouch, made in a limited edition of 10 pieces in tribute to Jean-Jacques Audubon’s “Birds of America: Brown Pelican”
Full-Cataloguing
- 3rd example of the Brown Pelican to appear in auction market
- Fresh to the market and complete with its certificates and accessories
- Cloisonné enamel dial signed by Muriel Sechaud 1999
In a fast-paced world dominated by robust sports models, Vacheron Constantin released an eclectic limited series collection in the 1990s, boasting intricate enamel dials inviting collectors to take a step back and admire this Métiers d'Art. Referencing the life-like drawings by naturalist Jean-Jacques Audubon, the firm used a mixture of cloisonné enamelling and miniature painting techniques to bring his vision of the "Bird of America" to life. Introduced in 1996, this was a highly exclusive release of wristwatches depicting ten different species of birds, each made into a limited series of 10 pieces.
The present ref. 43060/000J depicts Audubon’s Brown Pelican. The impeccable cloisonné enamel dial by acclaimed enamellist Muriel Séchaud exudes vibrancy and essence, transporting the viewer into a nature. Against a soft cream backdrop, the pelican stands in serene profile, its long yellow bill and soft grey-brown plumage rendered with remarkable subtlety of tone and texture. It perches gracefully on a slender branch that curves across the lower dial, framed by delicate green leaves and small budding clusters. The canvas is open and balanced, allowing the bird to breathe within the circular field while the gold dot hour markers and slender gold hands float discreetly above the scene quietly.
With this elegant "Birds of America" series, Vacheron Constantin demonstrated how haute horlogerie can intersect with the artisanal beauty of natural history illustration. Fresh to the market and presented in excellent overall condition, this timepiece is the 3rd example to appear in the auction market.
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.