• cal. 1120 automatic nickel lever movement, 36 jewels, mono-metallic balance, 21k gold-rimmed rotor engraved Mercator 2000 • polychrome cloisonné enamel dial depicting the map of Europe, two retrograde sectors indicating hours and minutes, the hands in the form of mapping compasses • platinum circular case, sapphire crystal display back • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k white gold Vacheron Constantin buckle

Automatic movement running while cataloguing, however it is recommended to get service in the near future for accurate time keeping. Enamel dial is intact and looks nice and clean. Case and buckle with minor scuffs from normal wear. Overall appears in very good condition. Back of the case numbered 43050/1 and 701486. **The strap of this wristwatch is made from an endangered species, please refer to important notices for further information**.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping.

Important Notice regarding importation into the United States of Rolex watches
Sotheby's cannot arrange for the delivery of Rolex watches to the United States because U.S. laws restricts the import of Rolex watches. The buyer or a designated agent may collect the property in the country of sale."

The "Mercator" series was first introduced in 1994 to commemorate Gerardus Mercator, the famous cartographer and humanist, on the 400th anniversary of his death. He was the creator of the first projections of the globe which proved very useful to many later explorers and his pioneering and visionary spirit brought a large part of the world into the modern age.

The case is inspired by a 1940s Vacheron Constantin model known as the "Geographique". The Mercator's dial, features an early hemispherical map of the Oceania made in cloisonné enamel, renewing an ancient and elaborate enameling technique that is widely considered𒁏 to be the most difficult of all. The Mercator Oceania was produced in a very limited series of 10 pieces only.