quattro
[Moderator]
19800
Thank you so much for these great additions and warm welcome to WatchProSite!
Thanks to you, I've been able to update my thread withs these two maps that I had missed.
After having done some research, I think the second one depicts not the Mekong River delta, but the Pearl (or Zhūjiāng, even if Christie's calls it "Chu Kong") River delta, as it was designed to commemorate the handover of Macau to the People's Republic of China on 20th December 1999: https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4174664?ldp_breadcrumb=back
As you say, there is probably several other maps that have been made for bespoke pieces we will never see...
Anyway, a great thank you again.
Best cordial regards,
Emmanuel
The double retrograde complication - Part 2: Vacheron Constantin's Mercator
Part 1 can be found here: The double retrograde complication - Part 1 Vacheron Constantin 's Mercator ref. 43050 , powered by cal. 1120/2 , was conceived in collaboration with Belgian enamelers Lucie & Jean Genbrugge . The inspiration stemmed from their a...
Incredible post. Thanks quattro .
I’ve always admired the Mercator. To my eye the most beautiful model is Japan, though if I could have just one my patriotic side would opt for America. Thanks again for a most pleasant morning read. M4
Thank you, Dan.
Japan is my favorite too (reason why I chose it as main photo). And, for sentimental reasons and because of fado (a music I adore), I love Portugal too! Best, Emmanuel
Thank you, E.
Yes, I'm sure the owners must have great pleasure wearing these. Best, Emmanuel
I didn’t know all these variants!
This model first attracted me to VC, I remember reading about them here and the hour lounge. 1/ for me!!
Truly amazing and innovative design the Vacheron Constantin's Mercator.
Thanks again for a wonderful reference article. ...
Terrific post. I long-wanted a Mercator, but could never find the right one at the right time.
The Mercator has got to be in the top 10 or 20 watches from VC. So unique and interesting. Cheers, John
Thank you, John.
I agree with you that the Mercator is really VC (and watchmaking) at its best! Cheers, Emmanuel
These are some of the few watches that I find very difficult to read...
...and I just don't care : ) Beautiful dials and I love these lugs...
Getting used to reading the time
might not be as challenging as one could think. And, as you say, such is the beauty that it would be well worth the effort ! Best, Emmanuel
The only thing....
that could prevent me from eventually getting one is death 😁. Mon chapeau 🎩😙🤌 Filip
I wish you to eventually get one, Filip!
Which one would you pick if you could choose ? Cheers, Emmanuel
For personal life experience reasons....
either the 'bird's eye' view of the Americas, or Europe, both of which hold an equally significant place in my heart and mind 🙂🙏....
Truly
exceptional writing and research. Always look forward to your in depth postings. You research abilities and depth of knowledge benefits us all.
Absolutely amazing post!
I am a big fan of the Mercator and I thought I know well about this model and the numerous versions with many dial iterations but OMG I was far to imagine there are so many! So many thanks Emmanuel for the research work behind this great reference post! I...
Thank you so much, Mike, for these gorgeous photos
of the watch which has been yours! It's a wonderful addition, as I had found only enamel variants of the Europa map. This monochrome engraved dial with pt case looks awesome and your shots are terrific. Have a great weekend. Best, Emmanuel
Brilliant and informative thread, thank you.
Thank you for researching and compiling these images, it's the most exhaustive list I've seen online. It's particularly hard to find information on the Mercators as so many variants were created, and probably many more unique commissions that we will neve...
Thank you so much for these great additions and warm welcome to WatchProSite!
Thanks to you, I've been able to update my thread withs these two maps that I had missed. After having done some research, I think the second one depicts not the Mekong River delta, but the Pearl (or Zhūjiāng , even if Christie's calls it "Chu Kong") Rive...
That makes a lot of sense.
In fact upon closer inspection, the reference image appears to be this excerpt detailing the Pearl Delta taken from the posthumously published 1619 map of China by the eponym himself The full image of G Mercator's map can be seen below. Looks familiar... ...
This is great: thank you so much once again!
To be able to see the reference image is a true pleasure.
Absolutely!
My preference for Japan and Portugal is mostly sentimental, as I love these two countries and cultures. For the map of Japan, there's also an aesthetic reason: I find it very beautiful! But other personal preferences are just as good of course!
