Patek Philippe - Racing Pulse New York Saturday, December 12, 2020 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: Circa 1993
    Reference No: 1359
    Movement No: 21’802
    Case No: 1’804’528
    Model Name: “Birds in paillonné enamel”
    Material: Gilt brass and paillonné enamel
    Calibre: Photo-electric cell, cal. 33, 29 jewels
    Dimensions: 220mm height
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Delivered with a Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming the production of the present timepiece in 1993 and its subsequent date of sale on 14th May 1993.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Astoundingly attractive and uniquely crafted by distinguished enamellists at the Patek Philippe manufacture, enameled dome clocks are always a delight for esteemed collectors of fine timepieces. Over the years, Patek Philippe has displayed numerous techniques and styles of enameling in their rare handcrafts selection of timepieces including cloisonné, champlevé, paillonné and miniature painting on enamel. With every single technique requiring extreme precision, perseverance and persistence to execute, it is without any doubt enamellists associated with Patek Philippe are the most respected in the industry - such as Suzanne Rohr as well as the enamellist who executed the present piece, Marie Françoise Martin.

    Paillonné enameling is a technique that can be witnessed on the present dome clock. Composed of fine and tiny pieces of gold leaves, the leaves are applied on the surface to create a motif. Each leaf is hand-treated and is further etched to achieve a detailed motif. Once the “paillons” are set on the surface, enamel is then applied on top and fired in a kiln under extremely high temperatures until the perfect result is achieved. It is truly amazing how a single speck of dust can ruin the result of the enamel, and when that happens, there is only one option: to restart the whole process again.

    The present, unique Patek Philippe solar dome clock made in 1993 is an elegant and exquisite piece featuring paillonné enamel birds against a beautiful blue enamel background. The contrast of blue and gold is stunning, and one that is adored by collectors. The dial further features decorative enamel corners executed in the same style. A wonderful specimen like the present example doesn’t surface often, presenting a fantastic opportunity for the connoisseur.

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    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.

    View More Works

26

Ref. 1359
An extremely attractive, fine and unique gilt brass solar power dome clock with paillonné enamel by Marie Françoise Martin

Circa 1993
220mm height
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
$80,000 - 160,000 
CHF71,500-143,000
€66,200-132,000
HK$620,000-1,240,000

Sold for $107,100

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros
Head of Watches, Americas & International Strategy Advisor
Senior Vice President
+1 212 940 1293
pboutros@phillips.com

Racing Pulse

New York Auction 12 December 2020