Vacheron Constantin

All: • cal.2460 automatic winding nickel lever movement, stamped with Geneva seal, 27 jewels, mono-metallic balance • transparent dial with digital disc display for hours at 10 o'clock position, minutes at 2 o'clock position, date at 5 o'clock position and month at 7 o'clock position, centered by masks representing different cultures • 18k yellow gold/white gold/pink gold/platinum case, sapphire crystal display back secured by 6 screws • case, dial and movement signed • with an 18k yellow gold/white gold/pink gold/platinum Vacheron Constantin folding clasp

All movements are in working order during time of cataloguing. All dials are nice and clean. Please note the movements have not been tested for time keeping and a service might be required at the buyer's expense. **The straps of these wristwatches are made from an endangered species, please refer to important notices for further information** Case #1156141: A few fine hairlines to the left bezel to 9 o'clock position. Overall in very good condition, appears to be unworn. Case #1156184: No visible blemishes, overall in excellent condition. Case #1144012: Some minor hairlines to the bezel. A tiny nick to the left band. Overall in very good condition. Case #1156300: No visible blemishes, overall in excellent condition. Case #1144043: Light sign of oxidization to the bezel, but it can be cleaned easily. Overall in very good condition. Case #1143945: No visible blemishes, overall in excellent condition. Case #1143976: Dial in excellent condition, one surface scratch on the back, very minor scuff to 9 o'clock of bezel. Case #1156248: No visible blemishes, only a few very light surface hairlines around the inner bezel. In excellent condition. Case #1143950: Some minor hairlines to the bezel. Overall in very good condition. Case #1143998: A few light and superficial hairlines to the case back, one visible scuff to the right band above crown, in very good condition. Case #1143966: Only a few very light superficial hairlines to the left band. Overall in excellent condition. Case #1144041: Only a few very minor surface hairlines to the left band. Overall in excellent condition.
"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."

Each with a Vacheron Constantin certificate and. Each set (total 3 sets) with an instruction manual, a setting pin and presentation box. 

D'où Venons Nous    Where Do We Come From? 

Que Sommes Nous   What Are We?
Où Allons Nous        Where Are We Going?

-P. Gauguin / 1897

Since the beginning of days, human beings have been asking themselves the same questions. In order to move forward, we must first look back to our origin and identify ourselves. With the same quest in mind, Vacheron Constantin strove to re-connect their vision of human technological progress with the true identity of humanity.

Vacheron Constantin as a brand with 260 years of legacy has always shown an immensely profound attachment to culture, human nature and arts. The Métiers d'Art collection launched in 2005 has borne witness to the brand's astonishing creativity and meticulous craftsmanship. Aspired to continue exploring the human lineage through time, the brand chanced upon the theme of primitive arts. The Barbier-Muller museum in Geneva houses the most important private collection of primitive arts, and the proximity of the museum gave rise to the idea of the brand to search for inspiration from the notable collection in the institution. Different symbolical subjects of the primitive arts were experimented but eventually, the subject matter that provided Vacheron Constantin’s Chief Executive Juan-Carlos Torres and his team with the greatest stimuli was the tribal masks, which were presented in every civilization and in every age.

In primitive cultures, masks are in its double capacity as both aesthetic objects and ritual devices; be it a means to communicate with the spirits of ancestors or a manifestation of ancient rituals and spectacles. Observing each mask in the collection of Metiers d'Art "Les Masques", we are then reminded of the numerous admirable traits possessed by human, sophistication, refinement, elegance and perseverance, all engraved onto ancient masks by our common ancestors on a starry night by the fire. The beauty of the masks lies on the emotional and expressive moment when the admirer lay eyes on the dials representing different ancient civilisations, being overpowered and overwhelmed by an immediate reconnection with the very roots of human culture.

Launched in April 2007, the Metiers d'Art "Les Masques" is an opus of 12 recreations of tribal masks in a limited edition of 25 pieces each, created over a period of three years, with a total number of merely 300 pieces. This exclusive set of works of art embodies primitive aesthetics at its finest. Unprecedented in auction history, this is the first time ever a complete set is offered in auction market and Sotheby’s beyond honoured to be entrusted with this prestigious work. It would hardly be an understatement to comment that such occasion might be one fleeting precious opportunity for watch and art connoisseurs to grasp.