964Σ
Vacheron Constantin
Ref. 86070/00G-9296
Metiers D’Arts Les Masques, Congo Ngaré-Mohongwé
An intriguing and exotic limited edition platinum wristwatch with semi-transparent sapphire dial, day, date, hand engraved micro-sculpture of a Congo Ngaré -Mahongwé antique mask from the collection of the Barbier-Muller Museum and certificate, one of a limited edition of 25 pieces
- Estimate
- HK$320,000 - 500,000€37,500 - 58,500$41,000 - 64,100
HK$762,000
Lot Details
- Manufacturer
- Vacheron Constantin
- Year
- 2008
- Reference No
- 86070/00G-9296
- Movement No
- 5’149’262
- Case No
- 1’143’948
- Model Name
- Metiers D’Arts Les Masques, Congo Ngaré-Mohongwé
- Material
- Platinum
- Calibre
- Automatic, cal. 2460, 27 jewels
- Bracelet/Strap
- Crocodile
- Clasp/Buckle
- Platinum 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 27th October 2007, hang-tags.
Specialist
Full-Cataloguing
Catalogue Essay
Not just any random African mask, this is the unique Masque Mahongwé-Ngaré from the Republic of the Congo acquired by Monique and Jean-Paul Barbier-Mueller in May 1984 and was recently sold at auction in 2024 for a stunning result of 4,154,000 Euro. Taking a deep dive into the history and provenance of this intriguing Mahongwé mask uncovers controversy of its origin amongst several generations of researchers, art historians, collectors, and fieldworkers a like. At one point, it was even suggested that this mask inspired Pablo Picasso to create one of the faces in his most instrumental painting Les Demoiselles.
Like the other three timepieces from the series, a mysterious message can only be read under a precise angle of light on the sapphire dial. Deep violet letters spreads around the mask with magnificent words by writer Michel Butor. Giving the mask speech, the poem encircles the mask comments on the passage of time.
Loosely translated, the poem reads,
“On a voulu approfondir l’ombre où vous logerez vos yeux pour que les éclairs de Soleil, ou de flammes pénètrent mieux de leurs flèches pour tatouer non seulement votre visage, et la peau de tout votre corps mais les secrets de votre nuit”
(We wanted to deepen the shadow where you will lodge your eyes so that the flashes of Sun, or flames penetrate better with their arrows to tattoo not only your face and the skin of your entire body but the secrets of your night.)
Technically impressive, the perfect miniaturization resembles the magnificent original with great rigor. Exact proportions, every chisel or burin strokes of the sculptor as well as scratches due to aging are translated vividly into the micro-sculpture. Preserved in incredible condition, the present ref. 86070 cased in noble platinum invites watch collectors into a world of the unfamiliar with incredible history and creativity.
Like the other three timepieces from the series, a mysterious message can only be read under a precise angle of light on the sapphire dial. Deep violet letters spreads around the mask with magnificent words by writer Michel Butor. Giving the mask speech, the poem encircles the mask comments on the passage of time.
Loosely translated, the poem reads,
“On a voulu approfondir l’ombre où vous logerez vos yeux pour que les éclairs de Soleil, ou de flammes pénètrent mieux de leurs flèches pour tatouer non seulement votre visage, et la peau de tout votre corps mais les secrets de votre nuit”
(We wanted to deepen the shadow where you will lodge your eyes so that the flashes of Sun, or flames penetrate better with their arrows to tattoo not only your face and the skin of your entire body but the secrets of your night.)
Technically impressive, the perfect miniaturization resembles the magnificent original with great rigor. Exact proportions, every chisel or burin strokes of the sculptor as well as scratches due to aging are translated vividly into the micro-sculpture. Preserved in incredible condition, the present ref. 86070 cased in noble platinum invites watch collectors into a world of the unfamiliar with incredible history and creativity.
Provenance
Literature
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.
Browse MakerKey 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.