Vacheron Constantin
Reference 43050/000P-9071 Mercator ‘America’ | A rare limited edition platinum automatic double retrograde wristwatch with polychrome grand feu cloisonné enamel dial depicting North America according to the Atlas of Mercator, Circa 2003
Auction Closed
June 10, 05:33 PM GMT
Estimate
40,000 - 80,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
Dial: polychrome grand feu cloisonné enamel, depicting the map of North America according to the Atlas of Mercator
Caliber: cal. 1120M automatic, 36 jewels
Movement number: 862’125
Case: platinum, snap on sapphire crystal display back
Case number: 756’201
Closure: 18k white gold Vacheron Constantin double folding clasp
Size: 36 mm diameter
Signed: case, dial, and movement
Box: yes
Papers: yes
Accessories: Vacheron Constantin presentation box with outer packaging, Certificate of Origin booklet dated 28 October 2003 confirming the present watch is part of a limited edition of 12 pieces made specifically for the U.S. market, Certificate of Origin and Guarantee Certificate, Certificate of Origin for the watch movement dated 1 March 2001, leather booklet with operating instructions, polishing cloth, and hangtags
Gerardus Mercator (1512-1594) was a Flemish geographer, cartographer, and cosmographer most renown for creating the 1569 World Map based on a new projection that represented sailing courses of constant bearing as straight lines, an innovation that is still employed today in nautical charts. Mercator was also an accomplished engraver and calligrapher who crafted beautiful globes and scientific instruments, and he often included his knowledge and love for the cosmos in his illustrations of the world.
Introduced in 1994, the Vacheron Constantin Mercator ref. 43050 commemorates the 400th anniversary of the death of Gerardus Mercator. As part of the limited series, the dials depict an interpretation of the hand drawn maps from the Atlas of Mercator from 1587. The dials were crafted either in polychrome grand feu cloisonné enamel or hand crafted acid etching to replicate the maps illustrating Americas, Europe, Africa or Asia. The enameled dials are faithfully reproduced from the original maps by Belgian enamellers Lucie and Jean Genbrugge in Broechem, and some feature mystical sea creatures, Latin inscriptions, and ships, with each dial requiring up to 12 days of enamel work.
The time keeping system of the Reference 43050 was partly inspired by the original Bras en l'Air pocket watches from the 1930s, and features a double retrograde system with jumping hours and sweeping minute hands designed to resemble the appearance of a compass, continuing the cartography theme.
The first run of the Reference 43050 produced 50 pieces, of which 38 were cased in yellow gold and featuring a dial with a map showing Africa, Europe, and Asia, and the remaining 12 were cased in platinum and featuring North and South America on the dial. Over its production run from 1994 to 2004 Vacheron has confirmed that a total of only 638 examples were created. The present example is a rare edition of only 12 pieces featuring the map of North America. Richly illustrated with mountain ranges and waterways, the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts are further punctuated by ships and fish, the present lot is a wonderful work of art that captures the spirit of exploration and innovation.