VARIOUS PROPERTIES

Vacheron Constantin. A fine 18K gold limited edition self-winding double retrograde wristwatch with enamel dial depicting Europe-Asia

SIGNED VACHERON CONSTANTIN, GENEVE, NO. 49, MERCATOR MODEL, MOVEMENT NO. 797'796, CASE NO. 673'988, REF. 43050, MANUFACTURED IN 1997

Details

Vacheron Constantin. A fine 18K gold limited edition self-winding double retrograde wristwatch with enamel dial depicting Europe-Asia
Signed Vacheron Constantin, Geneve, No. 49, Mercator model, movement no. 797'796, case no. 673'988, ref. 43050, manufactured in 1997
Cal. 1120/2 nickel-finished lever movement, 36 jewels, the 21K gold rim to the rotor engraved with the inscription 1594 - Gérard Mercator - 1994, the cloisonné polychrome enamel map depicting the continents Europe, Africa and Asia on a 22K gold plate, the gold hands placed on 12 and depicting compass legs to resemble the early hand-held compasses as used by Gerardus Mercator, both moving in an arc over the two curved sectors graduated for hours and minutes with painted Arabic numerals, returning to zero after each course respectively after twelve hours and sixty minutes, the circular case with stepped bezel and lugs, glazed back, 18K gold Vacheron Constantin deployant clasp, case, dial and movement signed
36 mm. diam.

Lot Essay

Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin Certificate of Authenticity dated 5 September 1997, Certificate of Origin and Warranty, "Mercator" booklet, brass magnifying glass, original fitted mahogany presentation box with elm-bur veneer and gilt brass clasp and fittings, outer cardboard packaging. Furthermore delivered with Vacheron Constantin Insurance Certificate dated 20 June 2003 confirming a replacement value of SFr. 58,500 for the present watch.

The present watch is part of a limited edition of 50 examples only, launched in November 1994 to honour the memory of the famous cartographer and humanist Gerardus Mercator on the 400th anniversary of his death. The enamel dials represent the American Continent or Europe, Africa and Asia, drawn by Gerardus Mercator in 1587 and reproduced by Lucie and Jean Genbrugge, enamellers of Broechem Belgium.

The model is illustrated in Armbanduhren by Kahlert, Mühe, Brunner, fifth edition, p. 464.

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