Vacheron Constantin - Phillips Watches Online Auction: The Geneva Sessions Spring 2025 Geneva Wednesday, March 5, 2025 | Phillips
  • 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

  • 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.

  • Artist Biography

    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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Ref. 43050
A rare and very fine yellow gold automatic wristwatch with retrograde hours and minutes with polychrome cloisonné enamel “Portugal” dial

2004
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
CHF25,000 - 50,000 
€26,700-53,400
$28,000-56,100

Sold for CHF82,550

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East
aghotbi@phillips.com
+41 22 317 81 81
 

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Watches Geneva
tto@phillips.com
+41 22 317 96 63
 

Phillips Watches Online Auction: The Geneva Sessions Spring 2025

5 - 12 March 2025