Important Modern & Vintage Timepieces

Geneva, May 12, 2013

LOT 26

VACHERON CONSTANTIN ? CLOISONNE ENAMEL DIAL INSPIRED BY JOHN J. AUDUBON?S BIRDS OF AMERICA Vacheron & Constantin, Genève, movement No. 797963, case No. 682111, Ref. 43060, the enamel by Muriel Sechaud. Made in a limited edition of 10 pieces, launched in 1997. Very fine and extremely rare, self-winding, water-resistant, 18K yellow gold wristwatch with cloisonné enamel dial and an 18K yellow gold Vacheron Constantin buckle. Accompanied by Vacheron Constantin wooden box, Certificate of Origin and hang-tag.

CHF 30,000 - 50,000

HKD 250,000 - 290,000 / USD 32,000 - 37,000

Sold: CHF 110,500

C. Three-body, solid, polished and brushed, hinged case back with release button at 8, rounded band and wide bezel, concave lugs, sapphire crystal, glazed cover over the movement with 6 screws. D. Polychrome cloisonne enamel on gold, cream enamel background, decorated with two birds on a flowering bough, inlaid gold dot hour indexes. Yellow gold ?dauphine? hands. M. Cal. 1120/2, rhodium plated, fausses-côtes decoration, 36 jewels, straight line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock-absorber, self-compensating flat balance-spring, hand-engraved skeletonized rotor with 21K gold segment. Dial, case and movement signed. DIAM. 38.5 mm. THICKNESS 9 mm.


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Grading System
Grade: AAA

Excellent
Case: 2

Very good
Movement: 1*

As new

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 1-01

As new

HANDS Original

Notes

Launched in 1997, the Audubon Birds of America models were made in 10 sets of 10 watches each. The cloisonne enamel dials depicted different birds found in America and originally painted by the 19th Century naturalist John J. Audubon for his books on Birds of America. The dials were made by the master enamellist Muriel Senchaud.