Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1981 Reference No: 1175 Movement No: 1'803'538 Model Name: Scene Marine / Voyage Aux Iles Material: Gilt brass and cloisonné enamel Calibre: 33''', photo-electric cell Dimensions: 210mm Height Signed: case, dial and movement signed by maker; enamel signed by enameler Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated March 15, 1984 and fitted presentation box. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe Extract form the Archives confirming production of the present clock in 1981 with cloisonné enamel and its subsequent sale on March 15, 1984
Catalogue Essay
While Patek Philippe is first and foremost known for its exquisite wristwatches, one of the most collectible and appreciated creations of the company are the so-called “dome clocks” (also known as “pendulettes” in French).
Easily identifiable by the domed top which gives them their English name, these pieces were introduced in the 1950s, and have been in production since then. Notwithstanding the more than half a century production run, Patek Philippe dome clocks are exceedingly rare due to the extremely time consuming nature of their production process. Most of these clocks feature a fully cloisonné enamelled case, a finish as attractive as it is complex to produce. Gold wires are applied to the metal base outlining the shapes desired by the enameller. Then, enamel powder of appropriate color is deposed into the compartments created by the gold wires, and the piece is placed in a kiln to allow for the enamel powder to melt. The process is repeated multiple times for multiple layers of enamel until the final result is obtained. Not only is the process enormously lengthy but it is also extremely susceptible to accidents: inappropriate cooling or heating easily leads to fissures, at which point the only solution is to start over. Only a handful of artisans possess the skill required by Patek Philippe.
The present example, created in 1981, impresses with the vibrant tones of blue, indigo and turquoise used to realize the enamelled scene representing a vessel departing from a tropical island paradise on the clock body and a dolphin jumping out of the water on the dome. The bright palette used is only part of the appeal of the piece: some details such as the flowers and vegetation required highly intricate gold wiring to reproduce the organic forms of these features, and thus, obviously, an even higher mastery of the craft compared to more linear designs.
A true work of art, the enamelled scene is signed by its creator. In this case, the two “M” letters present in a corner of the scene identify it as a work of Michèle Mauris, one of the most experienced enamellers, who began her career at Patek Philippe.
Considered the mastery of the craft necessary to produce these objects, outstanding aesthetic impact, extreme rarity, and importance and uniqueness in the panorama of Patek Philippe production, the present piece is an unmissable addition to any important Patek Philippe collection.
Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.
Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.
Ref. 1175 An extremely fine, highly attractive and unique gilt brass solar powered dome clock with cloisonné enamel scene "Scene Marine" by Michele Mauris with Certificate and box
1981 210mm Height case, dial and movement signed by maker; enamel signed by enameler