Vacheron Constantin - Game Changers New York Tuesday, December 10, 2019 | Phillips

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  • Video

    Game Changers: Cory Richards

    "The greatest form of technology, the greatest form of expression and design, is having only what you need—nothing more and nothing less—in its most elegant form." For his third attempt at climbing Everest, photographer Cory Richards partnered with Vacheron Constantin to create a watch that could sustain the magnitude of his undertaking. In support of our upcoming Game Changers watch auction in New York, he visited our headquarters to reflect on the impact of his journey. Proceeds from the sale of Richards' custom Overseas Dual-Time Prototype will go towards a National Geographic Society project that focuses on education and cultural preservation.

  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 2018
    Reference No: 7910V/000T-B603
    Movement No: 5’476’844
    Case No: 1’369’125
    Model Name: Overseas Dual-Time Prototype
    Material: Titanium, tantalum
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 5510, 37 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Grey Ventile® strap
    Clasp/Buckle: Titanium
    Dimensions: 41mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, strap, and buckle signed.
    Accessories: Accompanied by additional grey rubber strap, blank guarantee card and CD-ROM, padded carrying case, inner and outer presentation boxes.

  • Catalogue Essay

    The Man
    Having summited Everest twice before, including one climb without oxygen in 2016, Cory Richards, an American climber, mountaineer, explorer, and photographer, decided to undergo the treacherous ascent one more time in 2019. After a year of meticulous preparation, Richards and his climbing partner Esteban Mena attempted to summit Everest via the extremely treacherous North-East Ridge, approaching from Tibet. Richards is well-known for his raw and uncensored approach to climbing and the quietly exquisite media documentation of his climbs. A death-defying winter climb of Gasherbrum II (GII), the thirteenth highest mountain in the world at 8,035 meters above sea level, saw Richards become the first American to summit GII and document it in a documentary named Cold (2011). Richards and his climbing partners Simone Moro and Denis Urubko decided to attempt GII during the winter, an almost unheard of feat because of intensely adverse weather conditions, and were all three partially buried during an avalanche that occurred during their descent. Richards continues to climb and speak to the public regarding his experiences as an explorer.

    The Watch
    For this third attempt at Everest, Richards partnered with Vacheron Constantin to create a watch that could accompany him through one of the most grueling and dangerous climbing expeditions. Richards wanted a wristwatch that could track the time on Everest, as well as back at home in the United States, as well as withstand the elements associated with forging a new path to Everest. Housed in a robust 41 mm titanium case, this Overseas Dual-Time Prototype was designed specifically for Richards, and features tantalum reinforcements beneath its bezel and for its crown guards. A true “one-of-one” timepiece, once you turn the watch over, a custom 22K gold winding rotor is etched with one of Richards’ own images of Everest emerging over the plains of Tibet. The dark grey dial has a “grained” finish that looks almost frosted, with 18K blackened white gold dial accents, and an orange second time zone hand for enhanced legibility. The watch comes accompanied by the Ventile® cotton strap that Richards himself wore on Everest, as well as an additional rubber strap. The present lot is a rare opportunity for the connoisseur to obtain an absolutely unique prototype watch worn on Everest, created by one of the world’s most respected Swiss manufacturers.

    The Charity
    This Overseas Dual-Time Prototype is being sold to benefit the National Geographic Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to pushing the boundaries of exploration and generating solutions for a healthy and more sustainable future. Cory Richards, in collaboration with Vacheron Constantin, has chosen to support a National Geographic Society project that focuses on education and cultural preservation. Richards has photographed 11 stories for National Geographic Magazine and is deeply committed to extending financial and educational opportunities to the communities that have carried him through his career.

  • 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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THIS LOT IS TO BE SOLD WITH NO RESERVE

72

Lot offered with No Reserve

Ref. 7910V/000T-B603
A unique and attractive titanium and tantalum anti-magnetic dual-time wristwatch with day/night indicator, central seconds, and date, worn by Cory Richards on Mount Everest with proceeds going to charity

2018
41mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, strap, and buckle signed.

Estimate
$20,000 - 40,000 
CHF19,900-39,800
€18,100-36,300
HK$156,000-313,000

Sold for $106,250

Contact Specialist
Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Game Changers

New York Auction 10 December 2019