A RARE LIMITED EDITION GOLD AUTOMATIC WRISTWATCH WITH CLOISONNE ENAMEL DIAL AND HINGED CASE BACK, Vacheron Constantin, Genève, CIRCA 1997

18k, rhodium plated lever movement stamped twice with the seal of Geneva, 36 jewels, mono-metallic balance, finely pierced and engraved 21k gold-edged central rotor open-worked into the Maltese cross, cloisonné enamel dial depicts two rare species of birds with hour indices, polished circular case and bezel with down-turned lugs, hinged case with a hidden catch spring for opening the case back and revealing the movement under a screwed-down sapphire crystal display cuvette, case, dial and movement signed, dial further signed by the enameller, with an 18k yellow gold buckle.

This rare wristwatch with cloisonné enamel dial was inspired by one of works of John James Audubon, a great U.S. naturalist and painter of the 19^th century. To commemorate the wonderful work of John J. Audubon, Vacheron Constantin dedicated a section of the "Les Historiques" line to him. Wonderfully miniaturised the painting with enamel in exquisite details and colours on a 4 centimetres dial by M. Sechaud, a highly respected enameller, this watch was produced in a limited series of 10 pieces only.