8054ΔΣ
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 43050
Mercator
A very fine and rare yellow gold wristwatch with retrograde hours and minutes, certificates and presentation box, made to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Gerardus Mercator
Full-Cataloguing
- Developed jointly by skilled Vacheron Constantin watchmakers and the Belgian horological inventor Jean Genbrugge along with his wife Lucie, the "Mercator" wristwatch features an ingenious mechanism designed by Genbrugge. This device controls the arc-shaped travel of both the hour and minute hands, styled like early compass legs as a nod to the hand-held compasses Mercator used.
- This particular 1995 "Mercator" example has a 22K yellow gold dial entirely hand-chased and enameled, depicting the outlines of Mercator's famous 1587 world map. Preserved in exceptional condition and directly from its original owner, this timepiece represents a rare opportunity to acquire a mechanical wonder that captures both the artistry and history of the Renaissance era.
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.