Lot Essay
Offered in exceptional condition and complete with the full set of accessories, the present ‘Pendulette Dome’ is a superb and ravishingly beautiful example of Patek Philippe’s iconic and unique enameled dome clocks.
Patek Philippe’s dome clocks are not only highly collectable, but are also appreciated as entirely unique hand-decorated works of art by some of the finest contemporary artists working in enamel. Now becoming much harder to obtain, these stunning and functional timepieces perfectly represent Patek Philippe’s mastery of both advanced technology and the finest rare handcrafts.
Dome Clock Ocean-Going Vessels
A one-of-a-kind cloisonné enamel masterpiece, the scene of 'Ocean Going Vessels' depicts a galleon in full sail at sea, it is particularly skillful in that the individual side panels are decorated to form one larger panorama. The scene is continued into the dome and dial to give the impression of a large blustery sky. The nautical theme is continued with gulls in flight, a compass, and a variety of sailor’s knots, the gilt-brass framework of the case further continues the theme with a complementary rope pattern.
The panels were made by Jeremie Basset, master enameller who excels in fine cloisonné work and whose trademark emblem “Emaillor” in an oval features on the main panel. The curved side panels and dome present an extraordinary challenge for the artisan and one that can only be mastered after years of practice. The design itself is created by using a variety of opaque and transparent enamel colors, each element requiring eight or nine firings at a temperature of 850 degrees centigrade. The design requires several meters of 0.6 mm gold wire to form the cells or ‘cloisons’ which are then filled with enamel powder and fired.
The cloisonné enamel technique is only ever used by Patek Philippe for very small editions of timepieces or unique dome clocks. The very limited production is a result of the few artisans skilled enough to decorate the clock's challenging curved surfaces, exquisite works of art in their own right and highly appreciated in today's collector market. Since their launch in 1955, few examples of these clocks are produced every year, each unique by its individually decorated case featuring cloisonné enamel scenes or sometimes engraved or leather-covered with applied ornaments. The completion of one single clock can take up to a year, resulting in an exceptionally beautiful work of art.
Patek Philippe’s Rare Handcrafts Division
Dedicated to the preservation of the eclectic artisanal skills that have been associated with horology for over 400 years. The continuing use of these precious techniques in modern watchmaking contributes to their survival whilst at the same time delighting and impressing collectors and connoisseurs. The resplendent clock offered here pays tribute to Patek Philippe’s devotion to keeping these ancient crafts alive and demonstrates the mastery of techniques and subjects that enhance and enrich Patek Philippe’s enduring appeal and reputation for excellence in all aspects of watchmaking.
The dome clocks, pocket watches and wristwatches with rare handcrafts cloisonné enamel decoration, always made as unique pieces or in very small editions are now eagerly awaited as iconic and highly collectable horological works of art.
Patek Philippe’s dome clocks are not only highly collectable, but are also appreciated as entirely unique hand-decorated works of art by some of the finest contemporary artists working in enamel. Now becoming much harder to obtain, these stunning and functional timepieces perfectly represent Patek Philippe’s mastery of both advanced technology and the finest rare handcrafts.
Dome Clock Ocean-Going Vessels
A one-of-a-kind cloisonné enamel masterpiece, the scene of 'Ocean Going Vessels' depicts a galleon in full sail at sea, it is particularly skillful in that the individual side panels are decorated to form one larger panorama. The scene is continued into the dome and dial to give the impression of a large blustery sky. The nautical theme is continued with gulls in flight, a compass, and a variety of sailor’s knots, the gilt-brass framework of the case further continues the theme with a complementary rope pattern.
The panels were made by Jeremie Basset, master enameller who excels in fine cloisonné work and whose trademark emblem “Emaillor” in an oval features on the main panel. The curved side panels and dome present an extraordinary challenge for the artisan and one that can only be mastered after years of practice. The design itself is created by using a variety of opaque and transparent enamel colors, each element requiring eight or nine firings at a temperature of 850 degrees centigrade. The design requires several meters of 0.6 mm gold wire to form the cells or ‘cloisons’ which are then filled with enamel powder and fired.
The cloisonné enamel technique is only ever used by Patek Philippe for very small editions of timepieces or unique dome clocks. The very limited production is a result of the few artisans skilled enough to decorate the clock's challenging curved surfaces, exquisite works of art in their own right and highly appreciated in today's collector market. Since their launch in 1955, few examples of these clocks are produced every year, each unique by its individually decorated case featuring cloisonné enamel scenes or sometimes engraved or leather-covered with applied ornaments. The completion of one single clock can take up to a year, resulting in an exceptionally beautiful work of art.
Patek Philippe’s Rare Handcrafts Division
Dedicated to the preservation of the eclectic artisanal skills that have been associated with horology for over 400 years. The continuing use of these precious techniques in modern watchmaking contributes to their survival whilst at the same time delighting and impressing collectors and connoisseurs. The resplendent clock offered here pays tribute to Patek Philippe’s devotion to keeping these ancient crafts alive and demonstrates the mastery of techniques and subjects that enhance and enrich Patek Philippe’s enduring appeal and reputation for excellence in all aspects of watchmaking.
The dome clocks, pocket watches and wristwatches with rare handcrafts cloisonné enamel decoration, always made as unique pieces or in very small editions are now eagerly awaited as iconic and highly collectable horological works of art.