My Most Beautiful Watch

At the suggestion of our esteemed moderator, I am posting some photos of a recent acquisition even though some of you may have seen these photos.

Almost from the day I first started collecting watches, I have wanted to own one of these beautiful VC Audubon watches. Ten different John J. Audubon prints from his landmark "Birds of America" series (originally published circa 1830) were reproduced on cloisonne enamel dials from 1996-1998, and only ten copies of each were produced. Almost all of them were realized by Muriel Sechaud, one of the most famous enamel artists to work with VC in the modern era. This one is the Roseate Spoonbill, a bird native to the Gulf Coast of North America and parts of Central and South America. The detail and artistry of the enamel work is amazing.

Inside the 38mm case is a beautiful Cal.1120/2 movement with a skeletonized rotor and the Geneva seal, visible under another crystal by opening the spring loaded case back. I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them.

Beautiful indeed !

By: flamenco : January 11th, 2014-16:15

A piece of art that tells time ! Thanks for sharing.

You are very welcome! (nt)

By: maberlin : January 12th, 2014-04:23

Indeed beautiful

By: Spellbound : January 11th, 2014-16:39

Fascinating. Thank you for introducing me to this series of watches. would love to see the other nine dials. The Roseate Spoonbill is one goofy looking bird that looks part Flamingo part duck! Makes for a very interesting subject and a beautiful dial. War...

Thank you Dean. (nt)

By: maberlin : January 12th, 2014-04:22

Congratulations on this artisan piece

By: Ares501 - Mr Green : January 11th, 2014-16:39

Would You be so kind and tell us meaning of inscription after the year of production. Much obliged Damjan

Your question is a good one.

By: maberlin : January 12th, 2014-04:21

I don't know the answer but hope to find out in Geneva next week.

beautiful inside and out!

By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : January 11th, 2014-18:08

This watch is extremely beautiful inside and out! Congrats on getting this rare bird. Love the art work on the enamel dial, the hunter case back which is so charming and rare today, as well as the beautifully finished movement! Enjoy this watch and may it...

Thanks Robin! (nt)

By: maberlin : January 12th, 2014-04:20

Thank you for sharing the Audubon photos here....

By: WHL : January 11th, 2014-19:47

Such a pretty set of watches (I wonder if any collector out there has all ten) Did you ever see Sechaud's "Turkish" designs for VC? Bill

The Turkish designs are gorgeous as well

By: maberlin : January 12th, 2014-04:19

Geometric rather than naturalistic, but also works of art.

Gorgeous watch

By: Dje : January 12th, 2014-03:16

Hi, Thank you for sharing. I tried on one of these Audubon at the VC AD in Marseille in 2000. I remember that moment like if it was yesterday. Clearly a dream piece, the best of automatic calibres, a very fine case and the top of artistic dials, in a very...

Pity you didn't buy it!

By: maberlin : January 12th, 2014-04:18

It would have been a very fine investment as well as a thing of beauty to wear.

Honestly...

By: respo : January 12th, 2014-09:11

Mike, this is one of those absolutely perfect watches that VC has produced. Flawless inside and out and truly a piece of art for the wrist. You really have an enviable VC collection, but this is certainly one of the crown jewels. Congratulations once agai...

Vacheron Constantin