Vacheron Constantin Reference 43060 'Birds of America' Wristwatch
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1997
Maker / issuer
Vacheron ConstantinThis 18K yellow gold self-winding wristwatch, reference 43060, is part of a limited edition launched by Vacheron & Constantin in 1997. Inspired by the ornithological illustrations of John J.
Audubon, the watch features a polychrome cloisonné enamel dial executed by enamellist Muriel Sechaud, depicting two birds perched on a flowering bough against a cream enamel background. The timepiece is housed in a solid three-body case measuring 38.5 mm in diameter, featuring a wide bezel, concave lugs, and a hinged case back with a release button at the 8 o'clock position. The movement, caliber 1120/2, is a rhodium-plated mechanism with fausses-côtes decoration and a skeletonized rotor featuring a 21K gold segment.
The watch is presented with its original wooden box, Certificate of Origin, and hang-tag, and includes an 18K yellow gold buckle.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Automatic wristwatch
- Maker
- Vacheron & Constantin, Genève
- Caliber
- 1120/2
- Edition
- Limited edition of 10 pieces
- Case number
- 682111
- Case diameter
- 38.5 mm
- Enamel artist
- Muriel Sechaud
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Model reference
- 43060
- Movement number
- 797963
- Maker / attribution
- Vacheron & Constantin
Design
- Visible features
- • Cloisonné enamel dial depicting birds on a branch • Concave lugs and wide bezel design • Hinged case back with release button at 8 o'clock • Skeletonized rotor visible through a glazed display cover
- Provenance and Condition
- The watch was launched in 1997 as part of a series inspired by Audubon's Birds of America. According to the auction notes, the series comprised 10 sets of 10 watches each. This specific piece is sold accompanied by its original wooden box, a Certificate of Origin, and the manufacturer's hang-tag. Regarding condition, the auction documentation reports the dial and hands as 'as new', the movement as 'as new' (though suggesting an overhaul), and the case as 'very good'. All components—dial, case, and movement—are signed by the manufacturer.
- Case and Dial Construction
- The timepiece is constructed with an 18K yellow gold case described as a three-body, solid, polished and brushed design. The case features a wide bezel and concave lugs, with a hinged case back that includes a release button at the 8 o'clock position for opening. The movement is visible through a glazed cover secured by 6 screws. The dial is a centerpiece of the watch, utilizing polychrome cloisonné enamel on a gold base. The design is set against a cream enamel background and features inlaid gold dot hour indexes, paired with yellow gold dauphine hands. Audubon.
- Movement and Mechanical Details
- The watch is powered by the Vacheron & Constantin Caliber 1120/2, an automatic movement. The mechanics are finished with rhodium plating and feature fausses-côtes decoration across the bridges. The construction includes 36 jewels and a straight-line lever escapement. The balance assembly features a monometallic balance with a shock-absorber and a self-compensating flat balance-spring. Winding is facilitated by a hand-engraved skeletonized rotor that incorporates a 21K gold segment for weighted performance.
Identification
- Reference
- 43060
- Serial number
- 682111
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: The exact specific bird species represented on this particular dial are not identified in the source text
- Research required: The auction description includes a note that an overhaul is recommended for the movement