This important Vacheron Constantin was over £80,000 new; consider that they do not even produce a perpetual calendar with chronograph any more. This example has never been worn – its large 42mm sculptural grained and polished solid 18ct rose gold case is a magnificent example of the skills of Geneva's earliest watchmaker, culminating in a deep relief emblazoned at the back depicting Amerigo Vespucci's famous ship. Fitted to a brown alligator strap with rose gold "butterfly" folding clasp. Screw-down crown and pushers, 150m water resistant.

The bold, luminous hands are instantly readable against the iron-grey dial, something few other complicated watches get right. The sub-dials double up for the hour and minute chronograph counters and perpetual calendar, balanced by the polished gold moon below. Supplied with its full set of boxes (inner and outers), original passport-style certificate, setting tool, travelling pouch and spare strap.