When it comes to the art of enamelling in timepieces, the first to be mentioned would often be Patek Philippe, with no surprise. Since the beginning of the 17th century, enamelling was highly demanded to adorn watchcases and decorate dials. Regarded as an endangered craft today, Patek Philippe keeps the tradition alive with spectacular alchemy of colors.

Requiring extreme precision, endurance and patience, the substance of enamel is incredibly hard to work with. A substance based on silica sand, the enamel is transparent and is colored via metal oxides crushed into fine power and mixed with water to create a paste. Once applied on the surface and dried, it is inserted inside a kiln and heated with extremely high temperatures exceeding 800°C. With that said, the slightest imperfection on the surface developed during its heating process would mean that the dial would have to be redone again, until the perfect example is achieved by the skilled enameller, and thoroughly examined before it is eligible to be encased in a Patek Philippe case.

One of Switzerland’s most respected and recognised master enameller, a gatekeeper for the artisanal craft over the last two decades is the one and only, Madame Anita Porchet. A name that is music to the ears for rare handcrafts collectors, an independent master enameller who’s works of art that have adorned on prestigious timepieces from coveted manufacture such as Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe. Graced with her signature, the present Patek Philippe Ref. 5077P-016 is one of such. Immersing in the world of miniature, the present cloisonné enamelled Peacock Butterfly scene framed within the sinuous lines of the Calatrava case is simply one of a kind. Expressed with flying colors, the spectacular pattern and vivid eyespots on the butterfly’s wings startle with elegance. Dancing in aromatic spring in the blooming fields, the scene is depicted with exquisite details. Since 1994, Madame Porchet set up her independent atelier near Lausanne Switzerland where she continues to carry out her enamelling work while passing on the skills to other artisans. It is worth noting that there are two type of signature that can be recognized as part of her work. While signature indicated with “A.P” are from her atelier under her art direction, on the other hand, the display of the full signature “A. Porchet” is works of art created solely by Madame Porchet, a true prized gem for collectors.

The only example known by far, the present fresh-to-the-market masterpiece is kept in the collection of the original owner since 2009. Stunning in condition with beautiful presence on the wrist, it is a great opportunity for lovers and collectors of enamel timepieces to acquire an attractive and exceedingly rare example intricately crafted by the master enameller of Patek Philippe.