Vacheron Constantin - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI Hong Kong Wednesday, May 24, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: 1996
    Reference No: 43060/000J-8434
    Movement No: 798’689
    Case No: 676’506
    Model Name: Audubon, “Birds of America: La Perruche de Caroline”
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 12”’1/2 - 1120/2, 38 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Vacheron Constantin pin buckle
    Dimensions: 38.5mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and buckle signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin service invoice, fitted presentation box and outer packaging. Further delivered with Vacheron Constantin Certificate of Authenticity confirming the present timepiece’s date of manufacture in 1996.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In a fast-paced world dominated by robust sports models, Vacheron Constantin released an eclectic limited series collection in the 90s, boasting intricate enamel dials inviting collectors to take a step back and admire this Métiers d'Art. Referencing the life-like drawings by naturalist Jean-Jacques Audubon, the firm used a mixture of champlevé enamelling and miniature painting techniques to bring his vision of the "Bird of America" to life. Introduced in 1996, this was a highly exclusive release of wristwatches depicting ten different species of birds, each made into a limited series of 10 pieces.

    A portal into the natural world, the present ref. 43060/000J-8434 depicts a portion of Audubon’s “La Perruche de Caroline”, reimagined by the renowned master enamellist Anita Porchet, featuring a dynamic group of four Carolina parakeet. Declared extinct in 1939, this species of small green neotropical parrot have popularised thanks to its vibrant coat of feathers with a bright yellow head, reddish-orange face and pale beak. Completed in 1996, the dial is not the only work of art in this watch as the hinged case back opens to reveal its beautifully finished movement bearing the desirable Geneva seal. The rotor of the extra slim cal. 1120 has furthermore been elegantly skeletonised and engraved.

    Preserved in excellent overall condition, the present watch is physical proof that haute horlogerie and art can be one.

  • 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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Σ836

Ref. 43060/000J-8434
An exquisite and divine limited edition yellow gold wristwatch with champlevé and miniature enamel dial signed by Anita Porchet, and presentation box, made in tribute to Jean-Jacques Audubon’s “Birds of America: La Perruche de Caroline”

1996
38.5mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and buckle signed

Estimate
HK$240,000 - 470,000 
€27,700-54,200
$30,800-60,300

Sold for HK$990,600

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001
WatchesHK@phillips.com

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVI

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2023