5278/50R-010

Masterpiece This unique piece in rose gold reproduces “The Allegory of Music”, a work in oil on canvas dating from 1764 by the French painter François Boucher (1703–1770). A master of the Rococo style known for his sensual themes this artist excelled in the portrayal of scenes drawn from mythology and depicting gallant or pastoral pleasures. To recreate this work rich in detail and notable for the smoothness of its execution, Patek Philippe showcased the highly refined technique of miniature painting on enamel. The enameller built up his picture in small, deft touches using 19 base colors – including 7 blended shades – perfectly reproducing the flesh tints, the folds in the fabrics and the textures of the hair. He then protected this decoration and intensified its brilliance with several layers of flux, a transparent enamel, according to the Geneva method. The dial required 17 firings at temperatures ranging from 800°C to 830°C. Dauphine-style hands in rose gold display the hours and minutes. The elegance of the dial harmonizes with that of an alligator leather strap in matte chocolate brown. This watch is endowed with a caliber R 27 self-winding movement with minute repeater chiming on “cathedral” gongs. The architecture of this Grand Complication movement and the painstaking finishing touches lavished on its parts may be admired through a sapphire crystal back (interchangeable with a solid back in rose gold).