Vacheron Constantin - The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII Geneva Friday, November 3, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 2014
    Reference No: 86090
    Movement No: 5'168'036
    Case No: 1'190'343 caseback engraved Hommage à Debussy and inside the hinged back engraved Pièce Unique
    Model Name: Chagall & l'Opera de Paris Tribute to Debussy
    Material: 18k yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal 2460-01, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18k yellow gold Vacheron Constantin pin buckle
    Dimensions: 40mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin fitted box, guarantee, certificate of authenticity, Geneva seal certificate, loupe, hang tags, Chagall & Opera de Paris booklet, DVD, travel box and outer packaging

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present Vacheron Constantin Chagall & l'Opera de Paris Tribute to Debussy is a beautiful blend of horological and visual arts.

    It is one of 14 unique pieces representing the work of a composers who inspired Marc Chagall for his monumental fresco painting adorning the ceiling of the Garnier Opera House in Paris.

    It was in 1964 that Marc Chagall was tasked by the French Ministry of Culture to paint a new ceiling for the Paris Opera and Chagall's work transformed the ceiling of the Opera House into a vast poetic sky whirling with opera heroes, brilliant musicians, entwined lovers and legendary characters.

    Vacheron Constantin then turned to one the greatest enamel artist of her time: Anita Porchet to fulfill the difficult task of reproducing an over 200square meter ceiling in a 31 mm dial. A task which took over 3 months to complete.

    Porchet’s talent, dexterity and know how is apparent in the intricate details of the enamel dial reproducing Chagall’s vision of Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande opera.

    Using the seldom seen Geneva miniature enamel painting, Porchet started by tracing the outlines of the various motifs with a brush consisting of two or three marten's hairs involving a few touches of colour of the chosen shade, placed in successive points in an extremely precise order, moving throughout the entire process from the softer shades to the purer, brighter ones and firing the dial at 800 degrees Celsius each time with the unfortunate chance of having the enamel break during each firing.

    The dial of the present Hommage à Debussy renders Chagall’s vibrant hues in a superbly poetic manner.

    It is worth noting that there are two types of signatures that can be recognized as Anita Porchet’s work. While signatures indicated with “A.P” are from her atelier under her art direction, on the other hand, the display of the full signature “A. Porchet” – as with the present watch- are works of art created solely by Madame Porchet, a true prized gem for collectors. Adding to its collectability is that the present example is a unique piece.

  • 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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140

Ref. 86090
A unique and extraordinary yellow gold wristwatch with polychrome enamel dial by Anita Porchet

2014
40mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
CHF40,000 - 80,000 
€41,500-83,100
$44,000-87,900

Sold for CHF279,400

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Europe, and Middle East

+41 79 637 17 24
AGhotbi@phillips.com

Tiffany To
Head of Sale, Geneva

+41 79 460 55 88
TiffanyTo@phillips.com

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The Geneva Watch Auction: XVIII

Geneva Auction 3 - 4 November 2023