Vacheron Constantin - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII Hong Kong Friday, November 24, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1997
    Reference No: 43060/000J-8625
    Movement No: 798’928
    Case No: 682’193
    Model Name: "Audubon" Collection, Birds of America: Yellow-billed Magpie and Clark's Crow
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1120/2, 38 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Leather
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Vacheron Constantin pin buckle
    Dimensions: 38.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Extract from the Archives confirming manufacture of the present watch in 1997.

  • Catalogue Essay

    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 cloisonée 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-8625 - depicting two bird species rather than one - ranks among the rarest variants, featuring Audubon's Yellow-Billed Magpie conversing with two Clark's Crows. The impeccable cloisonée enamel dial by acclaimed enamellist Muriel Sechaud exudes vibrancy and motion, transporting the viewer into a natural tableau.

    With this elegant "Birds of America" series, Vacheron Constantin demonstrated how haute horlogerie can intersect with the artisanal beauty of natural history illustration. They resurrected a bygone era when the ornithological cabinet d'amateur held pride of place in European culture, embodied inobjets d'art that fused delight in avian forms with mechanical wonder. In excellent overall condition, this timepiece invites its beholder to marvel at one of the most exquisite realizations of the meeting between horology and natural history, transporting the wearer into a miniature pastoral idyll of colour and motion with each turn of the wrist.

  • 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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859

Ref. 43060/000J-8625
An exquisite and divine limited edition yellow gold wristwatch with cloisonée enamel dial signed by Muriel Sechaud, made in tribute to Jean-Jacques Audubon’s “Birds of America: Yellow-billed Magpie and Clark's Crow”

1997
38.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$200,000 - 400,000 
€24,200-48,400
$25,600-51,300

Sold for HK$330,200

Contact Specialist

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

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVII

Hong Kong Auction 24-25 November 2023