Vacheron Constantin - The New York Watch Auction: NINE New York Saturday, December 9, 2023 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 2004
    Reference No: 43050-000J-9070
    Movement No: 862’103
    Case No: No. 4, 684’282
    Model Name: Mercator
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1102/2, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold double deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Certificate of Origin dated October 11, 2004, retailer Certificate of Origin dated January 3, 2006, Canton of Geneva Certificate of Origin dated March 1, 2001 with hang tag, leather envelope, 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, becoming 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; most of his knowledge and skills were gained from his personal library of over 1,000 maps and books, as well as his 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 “Portugal” is rendered based on his map and configuration. The dial is the work of master enamellers Lucie and Jean Genbrugge, and signed with their signature, and is one of only ten examples with this dial. This enamel work of art is in exceptionally well-preserved, original condition and offered complete with original certificate of origin, 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.

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Σ57

Ref. 43050-000J-9070
A rare and very fine yellow gold wristwatch with retrograde hours and minutes with polychrome cloisonné enamel “Portugal” dial, with certificate of origin and presentation box

2004
36mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed

Estimate
$25,000 - 50,000 
CHF22,500-45,000
€23,400-46,800
HK$195,000-390,000
S$34,000-67,900

Sold for $50,800

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Americas
+1 (212) 940-1293
WatchesNY@Phillips.com
 
Isabella Proia
Head of Sale, New York
+1 (212) 940 1285
iproia@phillips.com

The New York Watch Auction: NINE

New York Auction 9 - 10 December 2023