Vacheron Constantin - STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them New York Wednesday, December 5, 2018 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1996
    Reference No: 43050
    Movement No: 798'390
    Case No: 673'846
    Model Name: Mercator
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1120/2, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Vacheron Constantin crocodile strap
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Vacheron Constantin double deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, strap and clasp signed by maker, dial further signed by enameller.
    Accessories: Accompanied by undated Vacheron Constantin International Warranty, Certificate of Authenticity, fitted wooden presentation box, hang tag, loupe, product literature and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Vacheron Constantin’s Mercator wristwatch pays homage to Gerard Mercator, the 16th century German-Flemish cartographer, geographer and cosmographer. He was born in Antwerp in 1592 and became the most well-known cartographer of his time. He developed the Mercator projection, a method still used today, which rendered the configuration of the terrestrial globe on to a flat surface and became the standard for nautical purposes. He created a new world map in 1569 using this method and it was a marvel of contemporary geography. Mercator was one of few scholars of the time that did not travel widely, but rather most of his thought and skill were gained from his personal library of over 1000 maps and books, as well as correspondences with other scholars, statesmen, travelers and seamen.

    Vacheron Constantin’s uniquely designed Mercator wristwatch was released in 1994 for the 400th anniversary of the scholar’s death and pays homage to him through its unique design. The retrograde hour and minute indicators resemble the legs of a handheld compass, while the stunning cloisonné enamel dial of “Europa-Asia” is rendered based on his map and configuration. The dial numbered 40 is the work of master enamellers Lucie and Jean Genbrugge, and it is believed that they produced 50 examples. In exceptionally well-preserved, original condition, this example is offered complete with original warranty and authenticity certificate, as well as presentation box. The Mercator is a uniquely designed watch and offers collectors something beyond the ordinary.

  • 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

Σ112

Ref. 43050
A very fine and rare yellow gold automatic wristwatch with retrograde hours and minutes, polychrome cloisonné enamel “Europa-Asia” dial, with guarantee and presentation box

1996
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, strap and clasp signed by maker, dial further signed by enameller.

Estimate
$20,000 - 30,000 
CHF19,900-29,900
€17,400-26,100
HK$157,000-235,000

Sold for $42,500

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

STYLED. Timeless Watches & How to Wear Them

New York Auction 5 December 2018