Manufacturer: Vacheron Constantin
Year: 2003
Reference No: 43050/000P-9071
Movement No: 862’094
Case No: 756’197
Model Name: Mercator
Material: Platinum
Calibre: Automatic, cal. 1120M, 36 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Alligator
Clasp/Buckle: Platinum Vacheron Constantin buckle
Dimensions: 36mm Diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement, and buckle signed.
Accessories: Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Certificate of Origin dated August 26th 2003 and confirming the present watch is part of a limited edition of 10 pieces made for the U.S. market.
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, a method still used today, 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 and pays homage to him through its unique and painstaking design. The retrograde hour and minute indicators resemble the legs of a handheld compass, while the stunning cloisonné 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. The dials were made in either yellow or white gold and then filled with enamel. Research shows that fewer fully enameled pieces were made for the western hemisphere than the eastern hemisphere. In 1996, the dial would win “Best Dial” at Baselworld.

This example, in platinum, is confirmed by the original certificate as being part of a limited edition of only 10 pieces made for the U.S. market, produced right before the Mercator was discontinued in 2004. This extremely rare timepiece is presented in crisp and overall excellent condition, with beautifully preserved and wondrously vivid enamelled dial, a true testament to the intersection of history, art, culture, and watchmaking.
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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