VACHERON CONSTANTIN | MERCATOR, REFERENCE 43050A LIMITED EDITION YELLOW GOLD BI-RETROGRADE WRISTWATCH WITH DIAL DEPICTING THE MAP OF THE AMERICAS, CIRCA 1998

Dial: champagne dial depicting the map of the Americas Caliber: cal. 1120/2 automatic, 36 jewelsMovement number: 797'937Case: 18k yellow gold, screw down sapphire crystal display backCase number: 656'950Closure: brown unsigned strap and 18k yellow gold Vacheron Constantin folding claspSize: 36 mm diameterSigned: case, dial and movement

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. All functions are working properly The watch with surface wear throughout visible with the naked eye to the case, particularly on the left. The lugs with surface wear to the sides, particularly at 1 and 7 o'clock. The folding clasp with minor surface wear visible with the naked eye. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

The Mercator series was first introduced in 1994 to commemorate Gerardus Mercator, the famous cartographer and humanist, on the 400th anniversary of his death. The case is inspired by a 1940s Vacheron Constantin model known as the "Geographique". The current dial depicts the map of Americas as drawn by Gerardus Mercator in 1587.