Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin Year: Circa 1997 Reference No: 43050/000P Movement No: 861’255 Case No: 684’426 Model Name: Mercator Material: Platinum Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1120/2, 36 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Leather Clasp/Buckle: 18K white gold Vacheron Constantin deployant clasp Dimensions: 36mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed. Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin international warranty, chronometer certificate date dated October 16th 1997, guarantee booklet, and outer envelope.
Catalogue Essay
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, 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. The retrograde hour and minute indicators resemble the legs of a handheld compass, while the stunning champlevé 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. Jean Genbrugge also designed the retrograde module for the movement allowing for the retrograde hour and minute hands. The myriad of details, such as the style of script and Latin place names, augment the illusion of a 16th century map.
Accompanied by its original chronometer certificate and international warranty, the platinum case with its deeply engraved lugs is preserved in excellent condition. Furthermore, this example is one of a limited edition of only 20 pieces depicting the Americas.
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.
Ref. 43050/000P A well-preserved and highly attractive limited edition platinum wristwatch with retrograde hours and minutes, champlevé enamel dial, and international warranty
Circa 1997 36mm Diameter Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.
