5738/50J-010

An ash cloud This limited edition of fifteen watches in Grand Feu cloisonné enamel represents the Merapi volcano on the island of Java. Considered Indonesia’s most active volcano, it erupts every four or five years. Defining the contours of the burning mountain called for about 7.6 cm of gold wire (~0.04 g). For the meticulously rendered fire of the magma surging up from the depths of the earth the enameller then worked with a palette of transparent and opaque enamels in 6 colors. Gold leaf embedded beneath translucent enamel, according to the technique of paillonné enameling, illuminates the scene and lends striking realism to the rivers of lava. Details such as the billowing ash column that darkens the sky, or the fiery glow of the ash cloud cascading down the volcano’s slopes, owe their finesse to 5 colors of miniature painting on enamel. Each dial underwent 10 firings at a temperature of 770°C. The yellow-gold case is endowed with harmonious proportions inspired by the ancient golden section. Its solid case back bears a stylized engraving of the volcano together with its name. The hours and minutes are displayed by cheveu-style hands, stamped in yellow gold. This watch houses a caliber 240 ultra-thin self-winding movement. The alligator leather strap in shiny dark chestnut is secured by a prong buckle in yellow gold reflecting the elliptical shape of the case.