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 and painstaking design. The retrograde hour and minute indicators resemble the legs of a handheld compass, while the stunning cloisonné enamel dial of the “Americas” is rendered from his map dating to circa 1623. The dial – and indeed, the concept for the watch itself - is the work of Belgian master enamellers Lucie and Jean Genbrugge, who specialize in making ultra-thin miniature paintings on enamel. The dials were made in either yellow or white gold and then filled with enamel. Research shows that fewer fully enameled pieces were made for the western hemisphere than the eastern hemisphere. In 1996, the dial would win “Best Dial” at Baselworld.

This example, in platinum, is confirmed by the original certificate as being part of a limited edition of only 10 pieces made for the U.S. market, produced right before the Mercator was discontinued in 2004. This extremely rare timepiece is presented in crisp and overall excellent condition, with beautifully preserved and wondrously vivid enamelled dial, a true testament to the intersection of history, art, culture, and watchmaking.