Vacheron Constantin - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XIX Hong Kong Saturday, November 23, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 2008
    Reference No: 86070/000G-9295
    Movement No: 5’149’094
    Case No: 1’143’978
    Model Name: Metiers d’Arts “Les Masques”, Alaskan Tlingit Indian
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2460, 27 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K white 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 3rd June 2007 and hang-tags.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Tlingit mask comes from Native American shamans, neighbors of the Inuit of Alaska, who harnessed the spiritual powers of animals through elaborate costumed dances. These Indians of the Northwest Coast were gifted and tireless sculptors. This mask decorated with spikes of horsehair are worn on the forehead by shamans in the exercise of their functions as magician diviners. Their roles are essential within the communities of the northwest coast: through their interventions with supernatural powers, they ensured the healing of the sick, fought sorcerers and protected the village against external aggression.

    The masks hold deeper meaning than aesthetic appeal. In many tribes, they facilitated communication with ancestral spirits and channeled magical rituals.

    Loosely translated, the poem reads,

    "Si je vous tire un peu la langue c’est pour vous montrer la confiance que je vous accorde suivant vos évolutions sur la mer entre les tempêtes et dans les forêts entre les immenses
    conifères où s’inscriront vos mythes généalogiques"


    (If I stick my tongue out at you a little, it is to show you the trust I have in you following your progress on the sea between storms and in the forests between the immense conifers where your genealogical myths will be inscribed.)

    By preserving ancient stories in contemporary form, Vacheron Constantin's artisans honored the universal tradition of passing legends across generations. This remarkable set celebrates our collective need for magic, myth and meaning.

  • 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

Σ966

Ref. 86070/000G-9295
An incredibly rare and intriguing limited edition white gold wristwatch with with semi-transparent sapphire dial, day, date, hand-engraved micro sculpture of an Alaskan Tlingit Indian 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$698,500

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