Vacheron Constantin - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 2009
    Reference No: 47070/000J-9086
    Movement No: 950’530
    Case No: 1’130’952
    Model Name: Hommage Aux Grands Explorateurs “Marco Polo”
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1126, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Vacheron Constantin deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 39mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by undated Vacheron Constantin certificate stamped Vacheron Constantin Hong Kong, hang tag, blank service booklet, leather folio and product literature, loupe, fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Further delivered with Vacheron Constantin Certificate of Authenticity confirming its year of manufacture of the present timepiece in 2009.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Following the Mercator’s critical and commercial success, Vacheron Constantin launched the Hommage Aux Grands Explorateurs (The Tribute to the Great Explorers) in 2004. A series of four watches, limited to 60 pieces each, the watches were made with a two level dial construction mapping the travels of famous explorers: Magellan, Zheng He, Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus.

    Highly rare and collectible, the present model illustrates the travels of the famous “Silk Road” by Marco Polo. Depicted all corners of the world and signed by J&L Genbrugge (master enamellers Jean & Lucie Genbrugge), from Mediterranean all the way to China, Persia, India and mountains of Mongolia, the wearer can tread on the heels of Marco Polo’s journey.

    Entirely hand-painted, the geographical outline on each dial requires over thirty separate firing in the enameller’s kiln and is truly one-of-a-kind. The level of difficulty has been pushed even further for the dial of this watch as it is made on two levels with a small opening allowing the passage of a sapphire disc for the wandering hour indication. Cased in a beautiful yellow gold case with stepped down turn lugs, the reverse is engraved with a compass for this tribute. Complete with its original accessories and certificate, the present example is fresh-to-the-market and to our knowledge the 4th example to appear publicly in the auction market.

  • 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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Σ821

Ref. 47070/000J-9086
A rare and impressive limited edition yellow gold wristwatch with wandering hours, cloisonné enamel dial depicting the travels of Marco Polo, certificate and presentation box, made in a limited edition of 60 pieces

2009
39mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$180,000 - 360,000 
€21,100-42,100
$23,100-46,200

Sold for HK$444,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2030
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX

Hong Kong Auction 23 - 24 November 2024