Vacheron Constantin Mercator

About this reference

The Vacheron Constantin Mercator reference 43050 was produced between 1994 and 2004 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of cartographer Gerardus Mercator’s death. This platinum model features a 36mm case housing the ultra-thin caliber 1120/2, a self-winding movement based on the Jaeger-LeCoultre 920, modified with a double retrograde mechanism for hours and minutes. The dial is crafted from 22k gold and finished with cloisonné enamel depicting maps of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Collectors value the reference for its hand-enameled artistry and its role in reviving the brand’s Métiers d’Art tradition. On the secondary market, these platinum examples typically trade between $40,000 and $65,000 depending on condition and provenance. A notable production detail is the compass-shaped hands, which were specifically designed for this complication. In 2023, a platinum example with a black enamel dial achieved a sale price exceeding $70,000 at auction.