Vacheron Constantin

• cal. 12''1/2 automatic nickel lever movement with retrograde display, 36 jewels, 21K yellow gold rotor segment bearing the engraving "1594-Gérard Mercator-1994" • painted polychrome enamel dial representing Italy, Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica, double sectors graduated from 1 to 12 for the hours and from 0 to 60 for the minutes with painted Arabic numerals and dot indexes, compass shaped hands in giilt brass • overlapping fluted lugs, screw-down sapphire crystal display case back • case, dial and movement signed • 18k yellow gold Vacheron Constantin folding clasp

The movement is running at the t.mes of cataloguing, however it may require a service in the near future to be well preserved. The dial is in very good condition with no visible imperfection. Case shows some deeper scuffs to the left top lug and some lighter scuffs throughout. Overall this is a very rare version of the Mercator reference.
"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 stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes '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.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collects the property in the country of sale."

The Mercator wristwatch was inspired by a map drawn in 1587 by Gerardus Mercator. This model was launched in 1994 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the cartographer's death. It is characterized by an enamel hand painted dial representing various continents (America, Europe, Africa, Australia, Antarctica, and Asia) and geoMetricas l hands in the shape of a marine compass, reminiscent of the ones used by the famous cartographer. The dials were made by Belgian artists Lucie and Jean Genbrugge.

A small number of the "Mercator" series were produced with 22k gold and with enamelled dials. Vacheron Constantin also produced on special request watches featuring single region or continent.

The present example is the second one of only two known back to the market with a dial representing Italy and the Mediterranean region.