Vacheron Constantin

All: • cal. 2460 automatic lever movement, stamped with Geneva seal, 27 jewels • transparent dial with digital aperture for hours at 10, minutes at 2, date at 5 and month at 7, centered by masks representing different cultures • 18k yellow gold/white gold/pink gold/platinum case, sapphire crystal display back secured by 6 screws • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold/white gold/pink gold/platinum Vacheron Constantin folding clasp

The movements are running at the time of cataloguing. The dials are in excellent condition and so are the cases. The watches are all overall in very good condition as it seems they have not been worn very much. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion. ***Please be advised that the bands on this watch are made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) and thus not sold with the watch, they are for display purposes only. We will remove these bands prior to shipping.***
"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."

D'où Venons Nous    Where Do We Come From?

Que Sommes Nous   What Are We?

Où Allons Nous        Where Are We Going?

-P. Gauguin / 1897

Since the start of days, human beings have been asking themselves the same questions. In order to move forward, we must first look back to our origin and understand ourselves. With the same aim in mind, Vacheron Constantin went on a mission to connect their vision of human technological progress with the true identity of humanity.

Vacheron Constantin carries 260 years of legacy and has always been deeply attached to culture, human nature and the arts. The Métiers d'Art collection, which launched in 2005, embodies the brand's intricate creativity and meticulous craftsmanship. With the aim of examining the human lineage through time, the brand explored the theme of primitive arts. The Barbier-Muller museum in Geneva has one the most important private collection of primitive arts in the world and the proximity of the museum gave birth to the idea of searching for inspiration among the collection in the institution. Different symbolic themes of the primitive arts were experimented with but eventually, the theme that gave Juan-Carlos Torres, CEO at the time, and his team most excitement was the tribal masks, which represented every civilization in every age.

In primitive cultures, masks have a double function as both aesthetic objects and ritual devices; be it a means to communicate with the spirits of ancestors or a manifestation of ancient rituals and spectacles. Observing each mask in the collection of Metiers d'Art "Les Masques", we are then reminded of the numerous admirable traits possessed by humans: sophistication, refinement, elegance and perseverance, all engraved onto ancient masks by our common ancestors on a starry night by the fire.

Launched in April 2007, the Metiers d'Art "Les Masques" is an opus of twelve recreations of tribal masks in a limited edition of 25 pieces each, created over a period of three years, with a total number of merely 300 pieces. This exclusive set of works of art embodies primitive aesthetics at its finest. Unprecedented in auction history, this is the first time a complete set is offered on the auction market and Sotheby’s is beyond honoured to be entrusted with this prestigious work. The present lot offers a unique opportunity for watch and art connoisseurs alike.