Vacheron Constantin - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV Hong Kong Monday, November 28, 2022 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: Circa 1997
    Reference No: 43050/000J
    Movement No: 861’241
    Case No: 684’385
    Model Name: Mercator
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1120/2, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Vacheron Constantin deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 35.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by blank Vacheron Constantin International Warranty, Certificate of Authenticity dated 18th December 1997, hang tag, product literature, fitted wooden presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    An unconventional watch with twin retrograde hands in the form of a compass, the Vacheron Constantin Mercator was introduced in 1994, commemorating the 400th anniversary of Gerardus Mercator’s passing. When the CEO of Vacheron Constantin at the time, Claude-Daniel Proellochs, was presented with this idea, the executive was instantly captivated by the intriguing design and thus solidified their decade-long partnership in producing the Mercator. According to the archives, only 638 pieces were made in those 10 years, with a handful of different variants, depicting different corners of the globe. The Mercator dials are signed with “J&L Genbrugge”– an uncommon practice, considering brands have historically kept enamellers in the shadows. Much sought-after for its bi-retrograde time display, the centre piece of the watch is no doubt its dial, where art and history meet. Drawing from the Mercator Projection, the present example is numbered 10 of approximately 50 dials that depicts a beautifully hand-crafted cloisonné enamel dial of “Europa-Asia”. Exceptionally well-preserved and offered with its original accessories, the present Mercator is a true collectable, made for style-conscious connoisseurs of exotic and remarkable timepieces.

  • 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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Property from the Original Owner

Σ820

Ref. 43050/000J
A very fine and rare yellow gold wristwatch with retrograde hours and minutes, polychrome cloisonné enamel “Europa-Asia” dial, guarantee and presentation box

Circa 1997
35.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$160,000 - 260,000 
€19,000-30,900
$20,500-33,300

Sold for HK$441,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XV

28 - 29 November 2022 (Online Registration ends 27 Nov, 2pm HKT)