Vacheron Constantin - Phillips Watches Online Auction: The Hong Kong Sessions, Fall 2023 Hong Kong Thursday, September 21, 2023 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
    Year: Circa 1995
    Reference No: 43050
    Movement No: 798’194
    Case No: 656’876
    Model Name: Mercator
    Material: 18K yellow gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1120/2, 36 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Crocodile
    Clasp/Buckle: 18K yellow gold Vacheron Constantin deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 36mm diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Certificate dated 31st May 1995, Geneva seal certificate, product literature, instruction manual, envelope, presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    - Arguably one of the most unique and exceptional timepieces produced between 1994-2004, the Vacheron Constantin ref. 43050 is an unusual model designed to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the death of renowned mathematician Gerardus Mercator (1512-1594).

    - Developed jointly by skilled Vacheron Constantin watchmakers and the Belgian horological inventor Jean Genbrugge along with his wife Lucie, the "Mercator" wristwatch features an ingenious mechanism designed by Genbrugge. This device controls the arc-shaped travel of both the hour and minute hands, styled like early compass legs as a nod to the hand-held compasses Mercator used.

    - This particular 1995 "Mercator" example has a 22K yellow gold dial entirely hand-chased and enameled, depicting the outlines of Mercator's famous 1587 world map. Preserved in exceptional condition and directly from its original owner, this timepiece represents a rare opportunity to acquire a mechanical wonder that captures both the artistry and history of the Renaissance era.

  • 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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Property of the Original Owner

ΔΣ8054

Ref. 43050
A very fine and rare yellow gold wristwatch with retrograde hours and minutes, certificates and presentation box, made to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Gerardus Mercator

Circa 1995
36mm diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
HK$120,000 - 250,000 
€14,200-29,500
$15,400-32,100

Sold for HK$279,400

Contact Specialist

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

Phillips Watches Online Auction: The Hong Kong Sessions, Fall 2023

21-28 September 2023