Vacheron Constantin Mercator 43050 18k YG
Introduced in 1994, the Vacheron Constantin Mercator ref. 43050 commemorates the 400th anniversary of the death of renowned geographer and cartographer Gerardus Mercator. Mercator's legacy includes the revolutionary map projection still used in modern cartography, most notably in maps of the entire world. Designed by enamelist and watchmaker Jean Genbrugge and his wife Lucie, the Mercator ref. 43050 features twin retrograde hands shaped like a compass, displaying hours on the left and minutes on the right. The hands glide across the dial, jumping back at the hour transitions. The solid gold dial, engraved with Mercator's map of Europe, Africa, and Asia, is intricately detailed with black enamel, mystical sea creatures, and Latin inscriptions. The 18kt yellow gold case features a stepped bezel and straight lugs that then boast stepped edges on either side. Measuring 36mm in diameter and boasting a thin profil, the Mercator is powered by the modified Vacheron Constantin auomatic cal. 1120/2 movement which includes 36 jewels and an engraved oscillating weight. Only 638 pieces are believed to have been produced during its ten-year production run, making it a rare watch indeed, especially considering the growing demand that the market has seen for this watch and other unique and interesting watches like it.
Brand : Vacheron Constantin
Model : Mercator
Reference : 43050
Year : 1990s
Material : 18kt yellow gold
Dial Color : Gold
Dimensions : 36mm
Movement : Automatic cal. 1120/2
Bracelet : Leather strap
Condition : Excellent
Included : Watch only
THE DIAL Boasting a solid gold dial with Mercator's projection of Europe, Asia and Africa engraved into it and filled with black enamel and a set of unique compass-shaped retrograde hands, the ref. 43050's display is a wonderfully unique and interesting combination of cartography and horology.
THE CONSTRUCTION Classical in its construction, the Mercator features a 36mm 18kt yellow gold case that boasts an architectural design with a stepped bezel and stepped lugs that communicate the careful consideration that went into Mercator's projection.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
