VACHERON CONSTANTIN | MÉTIERS D'ART "HANAMI", REFERENCE 33222/000R-9701 A LIMITED EDITION PINK GOLD SEMI-SKELETONISED WRISTWATCH WITH JAPANESE LACQUER DIAL, CIRCA 2012

Dial: semi-skeletonized center and Japanese lacquer chapter ringCalibre: cal. 1003 automatic, 18 jewelsMovement number: 5'226'401Case: 18k pink gold, snap on sapphire crystal display backCase number: 1'226'824Closure: black Vacheron Constantin alligator strap and 18k pink gold buckleSize: 40 mm diameterSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Vacheron Constantin Certificate of Origin, Guarantee Certificate, magnifying glass, USB and presentation box 

The movement is in working condition at the time of cataloguing. The dial is in excellent overall condition. The bezel with minor signs of wear at places. The band with light surface scratches at 9 o'clock. The case with very minor signs of wear at places, particularly toward the lugs. Underneath the left upper lugs with minor surface scratches. The case back with light signs of wear at places. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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."

The Vacheron Constantin Metiers d'Art La “Hanami”, which took over 7 years to finish, was initially offered as a set of three with the models “Tsukimi” and “Yukimi”. By collaborating with Zôhiko, one of the oldest Japanese lacquer manufactures based in Kyoto since 1661, the dial of this watch is created from an ancient technique called “maki-e ”, which consists of sprinkling the black lacquer with silver or gold dust creating fascinating motifs. The present watch with it’s beautiful cherry blossom motifs on the dial symbolizes purity, integrity and longevity. Made in a limited series of 20 pieces, this is truly a great representation of fine watchmaking.