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.