Vacheron Constantin - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 2008
    Reference No: 86070/000R-9297
    Movement No: 5’149’198
    Case No: 1'144'049
    Model Name: Métiers d’Art "Les Masques", Indonesian Wayang Topeng
    Material: 18K pink gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2460, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K pink gold Vacheron Constantin deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 40mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Certificate of Authenticity dated 22nd April 2008, Certificate of Origin, service booklet, chronometer certificate dated 24th October 2007 and hang tags.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The present timepiece features a micro-sculpture of an Indonesian Wayang Topeng antique mask from the collection. Wayang Topeng refers to the historical theatrical art form from Bali, a drama of masked dance, music, mime and comedy mostly based on the stories of the Panji-cycle, which is a collection of Javanese stories revolving around the legendary Prince Panji and Princess Kirana. The facial feature on the mask bears a striking resemblance to Prince Panji, with the embroidered headcloth, curling moustache and high eyebrows.

    The automatic calibre 2460 G4, bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva, allows the mask to sit on the centre of the dial without interrupted by the hands, instead the hour, minute, day and date are shown on four discs displayed in four separate apertures. The transparent dial tastefully reveals the four wheels and beautifully finished details of the movement, accentuating the layering and sense of depth on the dial, making the engraved micro-sculpture appear to be floating on air.

    Tilting the watch sideways would reveal shimmering golden letters encircling the dial, piecing together a French poem written by Michel Butor, a celebrated poet who was awarded the Grand Prix de Littérature de l'Académie française in 2013. Dedicated specifically to this timepiece, it masterfully depicts the tantalizing desire found on the facial expression of the mask.

    Loosely translated, the poem reads,

    “Enjôleur mon regard détaille les formes des filles qui passent mes sourcils sont comme un oiseau qui va s’envoler pour tourner autour de sa proie mes moustaches comme des serpents préparés à bondir lors du moindre signe de faiblesse ou d’acquiescement”

    (My beguiling gaze details the shapes of the girls who pass by my eyebrows are like a bird that is about to fly away to circle around its prey my moustache like snakes prepared to pounce at the slightest sign of weakness or acquiescence.)

    Impeccably showcasing the phenomenal craftsmanship of the engraver, the present timepiece is a breathtaking work of art distinguished by its mesmerizing primitive aesthetics, culminating an artistic and poetic union of humanity and high horology. Offered in excellent overall condition and accompanied by its original certificate, the present lot will surely be appealing to passionate watch and art collectors.

  • 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.

    View More Works

Σ963

Ref. 86070/000R-9297
A very fine, rare and impressive pink gold limited edition wristwatch with semi-transparent sapphire dial, day, date, gold hand-engraved micro-sculpture of an Indonesian Wayang Topeng Antique Mask from The Barbier-Muller Museum and certificate, one of a limited edition of 25 pieces

2008
40mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$320,000 - 500,000 
€37,500-58,500
$41,000-64,100

Sold for HK$635,000

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