Dome table clock in cloisonné enamel enriched with silver paillons.

A symphony in black and gold, this unique piece in Grand Feu cloisonné enamel was inspired by the Thai ornaments that lend such refinement to the palaces and pagodas in the “Land of Smiles”.

To reproduce these intricate patterns with their interlacing stylized foliage and ancient symbols the enameler cut and shaped some 35 m of yellow-gold wire (70.39 g) measuring 0.2 x 0.6 mm in cross-section. To make the pattern glow, he added 680 tiny spangles called paillons cut out of silver leaf. These were embedded beneath the translucent yellow enamel according to a time-honored Geneva tradition. Coloring this decoration required, in addition to the opaque black enamel, three transparent enamel tints, to give the ornaments volume and relief. Each enameled plate underwent 10 firings at a temperature of about 745°C. An hour circle adorned with a guilloched border and black transfer- printed Thai numerals frames an enameled dial center.

This piece is powered by the caliber 17’’’ PEND mechanical movement rewound by an electric motor.