The present timepiece was launched in 1994 as a tribute to the 400th anniversary of the death of Gerardus Mercator, pioneer geographer and cartographer known for inventing map projection. With the great efforts of Jean Genbrugge, enamellist and watchmaker, who conceptualise the project alongside his wife Lucie, the Mercato in production for 10 years only 638 pieces were produced with an average of fewer than 64 pieces reach the market per year.

Unmistakable with its unique appearance and inventive time display, the combination of a retrograde hour and minute hands shaped like a compass tells time with style. Featuring beloved stepped lugs with the Patek Philippe ref. 2499 alike, the gold canvas displays an old map of Europe, Africa, and Asia filled with black enamel details defining the mountains, valleys, and even sea creatures of folk tales. Furthermore, the dial pays a subtle homage to the creator “J&L Genbrugge” at 4 o’clock. With a lean profile and down turn lugs that sit with extreme comfort on the wrist, the Mercator is fitted with the cailber 1120 derived from the celebrated JLC 920. In exceptionally well-preserved condition, this example is offered with original warranty and Geneva seal certificate. Beyond ordinary, the present Mercator is definitely a unique design that must go into the collection of any collector.