The present example is dedicated to Zheng He (1371–1433), the famed admiral, explorer, and diplomat of China’s Ming dynasty. Commanding vast fleets on seven voyages across the Indian Ocean, reaching as far as the coasts of East Africa, Zheng He is often regarded as the most accomplished admiral in Chinese history.

For the “Patrimony Tribute to Great Explorers”, the dial is constructed on two distinct levels, requiring even greater precision. At its lower portion, an aperture accommodates a transparent sapphire disc, which carries the wandering‑hour numerals. As the disc glides imperceptibly beneath, the numerals appear in turn at the dial’s opening, elegantly indicating the time. The result is a poetic fusion of artistry and mechanism: history itself becomes the backdrop upon which time unfolds.

Masterfully executed and historically resonant, this limited edition timepiece offered in exceptional condition unites the artistry of Geneva enamellers with Vacheron Constantin’s pursuit of rare time displays, embodying both horological ingenuity and tribute to one of the world’s greatest explorers.