Introduced in 1994, the Vacheron Constantin Mercator ref. 43050 commemorates the 400th anniversary of the death of renowned geographer and cartographer Gerardus Mercator. Mercator's legacy includes the revolutionary map projection still used in modern cartography, most notably in maps of the entire world. Designed by enamelist and watchmaker Jean Genbrugge and his wife Lucie, the Mercator ref. 43050 features twin retrograde hands shaped like a compass, displaying hours on the left and minutes on the right. The hands glide across the dial, jumping back at the hour transitions. The solid gold dial, engraved with Mercator's map of Europe, Africa, and Asia, is intricately detailed with black enamel, mystical sea creatures, and Latin inscriptions. The 18kt yellow gold case features a stepped bezel and straight lugs that then boast stepped edges on either side. Measuring 36mm in diameter and boasting a thin profil, the Mercator is powered by the modified Vacheron Constantin auomatic cal. 1120/2 movement which includes 36 jewels and an engraved oscillating weight. Only 638 pieces are believed to have been produced during its ten-year production run, making it a rare watch indeed, especially considering the growing demand that the market has seen for this watch and other unique and interesting watches like it.

An intriguing watch on account of its unique retrograde display, the Mercator is an atypical watch that has finally begun to enjoy the plaudits it has deserved for years as collectors finally begin to see the value in this unusual piece of Vacheron's past.