The proceeds from the sale of lot 212, along with the buyer?s premium, will be entirely donated to the ICM, an international institute dedicated to research and the prevention of nervous system diseases. Thank you, Mr. Claude-Daniel Proellochs Vacheron Constantin Vacheron Constantin was founded by Jean-Marc Vacheron (1731-1805), who in 1755 opened a workshop in Geneva which is the home of the present day company Vacheron Constantin. In 1819, the firm became known as Vacheron & Constantin, and the company adopted the motto "Do better if possible-- which is always possible". An important step forward was taken when in June 1839, George-Auguste Leschot (1800-1884) joined the firm. He developed and constructed machine-tools for the mechanical production of all the parts of a watch. The 19th century was a productive period for the firm, during which it patented many inventions, and took part in important exhibitions. 1938 saw the amalgamation of Jaeger-LeCoultre and Vacheron & Constantin, and Georges Ketterer became owner. In 1969, Georges Ketterer?s son Jacques took over the business until his death in 1987. From 1987 to 1996 the company was owned by Sheik Yamani, and in 1988, Claude Daniel Proellochs assumed the direction. Today Vacheron Constantin is part of the renowned Richemond Group. On the threshold of their quarter of a millennium Jubilee, Vacheron Constantin wished to take part in Antiquorum?s anniversary celebrations by offering for sale these very unusual, specially created wristwatches, inspired by one of the firm?s most famous wristwatches, the elebrated Reference 42161. Launched in 1942, only 36 examples of this reference were made until 1951. This greatly-admired watch, is considered by collectors to be the most beautiful minute-repeating wristwatch ever made.