Introduction

20087M
- Rare Handcrafts

Dome table clock in cloisonné enamel.

Palm trees, waterfalls, sandy beaches, coral, sharks and turtles: all the enchantment of tropical islands comes to life on this unique piece in Grand Feu cloisonné enamel – a skill lovingly preserved by Patek Philippe from generation to generation.

To create the contours of the landscape, flora and fauna of this earthly paradise the artist used 14.3 m of gold wire (28.63 g) measuring 0.2 x 0.6 mm in cross-section. The island’s exuberant colors called for a palette of transparent, opaque and opalescent enamels in about 100 shades. Successive firings to vitrify the enamels ensure that the colors will always retain their intensity and brilliance. Each enameled plate required 7 to 10 firings at a temperature of approximately 890°C. An hour circle adorned with applied baton-style hour markers on an ocean-blue ground frames a dial center in cloisonné enamel.

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

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Caliber

17''' PEND

Back

17''' PEND

Overall diameter: 38.65 mm. Height: 3.8 mm. Bridges: 8. Jewels: 20. Power reserve: 50 h max. Balance: Plain with screws. Frequency: 18 000 semi-oscillations per hour (2.5 Hz). Spiral: Breguet. Hallmark: Patek Philippe Seal.

Patek Philippe Seal

Savoir faire

Rare Handcrafts
The domed table clock – the perfect medium

The ideal showcase for decorative techniques is the domed table clock, owing to its dimensions. The generous rounded surfaces offer a perfect canvas for the virtuoso skill of enameling (cloisonné enameling, in particular). Animal and flower motifs are classic Patek Philippe designs, alongside newer themes. The museum’s collections are a source of inspiration, but so are far-off places, as interest from other parts of the world is occasionally reflected in the designs. The creative team knows well that one decoration in a particular color, or with a certain exuberance, will please in one culture, while restraint is preferred in another. One scene may emerge from the craftsman’s imagination, while another will be the faithful expression of a great work of art, on an astonishingly reduced scale.

Inspiration

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