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Lot Essay
This breathtakingly beautiful Grand Complication minute repeater reference 7000/50R-010 combines the disciplines of the finest high mechanical complication with the sublime artistry of Patek Philippe’s Rare Handicrafts Division. The ‘Officier’ style case of this remarkable pink gold wristwatch is fitted with an exquisitely decorated dial “Swallows in Flight” done in the centuries-old technique of cloisonne enamel, an art that has enjoyed a renaissance in watchmaking under the patronage of Patek Philippe. The example presented in this auction is the first of these unique masterpieces to be offered at international auction.
Reference 7000/50R-010 is one of the very special ‘Rare Handcrafts’ collection pieces that does not appear in any Patek Philippe catalogue and only available upon request or by invitation. The ‘Swallows in Flight’ Minute Repeater is a work of art in every sense of the word, the 33.7 mm. diameter rose gold case is made in the timelessly elegant ‘Officier’ style, featuring a sapphire crystal display back allowing the intricacies of the incredibly complicated movement to be admired. However, it is the amazing handmade cloisonné enamel dial that immediately captivates the observer. Depicting swallows in flight, the enamel artist has successfully captured in a moment of time the sense of the swooping movement of the birds in flight. The highly skilled technique of Grand Feu cloisonné enamelling is a process that involves creating compartments called ‘cloisons’ out of thin gold wire soldered onto the gold dial plate, the cloisons are then filled with enamel paste and the dial is then fired at very high temperatures. A process that is repeated multiple times depending on the number of colours used.
The movement is the minute repeater automatic caliber R 27 PS. When the slide is activated on the side of the case, it strikes the hours, quarter-hours and minutes on two finely tuned coiled gongs.
Striking and repeating mechanisms are some of the most challenging and expensive for modern watchmakers to create, not only in the miniaturization of the mechanism but also in their acoustic qualities and tone. Patek Philippe is renowned for the incredible rich, melodic and long-lasting tone of their repeating wristwatches. Indeed, minute repeating is one of the complications that the company have focused upon to continually develop ways to improve the tonality of the gongs in order to produce the very best possible sound. Before any Patek Philippe minute repeater is allowed to be delivered to its new owner, it is personally checked by Mr. Thierry Stern to ensure it conforms to the expected standard.
Truly a horological masterpiece, Christie’s is greatly honoured to present this delightful reference 7000/50R-010 to international collectors, offering the exceptional opportunity to acquire a timepiece which is without doubt one of Patek Philippe’s most visually arresting Grand Complication Rare Handicrafts wristwatches of the modern era.
Reference 7000/50R-010 is one of the very special ‘Rare Handcrafts’ collection pieces that does not appear in any Patek Philippe catalogue and only available upon request or by invitation. The ‘Swallows in Flight’ Minute Repeater is a work of art in every sense of the word, the 33.7 mm. diameter rose gold case is made in the timelessly elegant ‘Officier’ style, featuring a sapphire crystal display back allowing the intricacies of the incredibly complicated movement to be admired. However, it is the amazing handmade cloisonné enamel dial that immediately captivates the observer. Depicting swallows in flight, the enamel artist has successfully captured in a moment of time the sense of the swooping movement of the birds in flight. The highly skilled technique of Grand Feu cloisonné enamelling is a process that involves creating compartments called ‘cloisons’ out of thin gold wire soldered onto the gold dial plate, the cloisons are then filled with enamel paste and the dial is then fired at very high temperatures. A process that is repeated multiple times depending on the number of colours used.
The movement is the minute repeater automatic caliber R 27 PS. When the slide is activated on the side of the case, it strikes the hours, quarter-hours and minutes on two finely tuned coiled gongs.
Striking and repeating mechanisms are some of the most challenging and expensive for modern watchmakers to create, not only in the miniaturization of the mechanism but also in their acoustic qualities and tone. Patek Philippe is renowned for the incredible rich, melodic and long-lasting tone of their repeating wristwatches. Indeed, minute repeating is one of the complications that the company have focused upon to continually develop ways to improve the tonality of the gongs in order to produce the very best possible sound. Before any Patek Philippe minute repeater is allowed to be delivered to its new owner, it is personally checked by Mr. Thierry Stern to ensure it conforms to the expected standard.
Truly a horological masterpiece, Christie’s is greatly honoured to present this delightful reference 7000/50R-010 to international collectors, offering the exceptional opportunity to acquire a timepiece which is without doubt one of Patek Philippe’s most visually arresting Grand Complication Rare Handicrafts wristwatches of the modern era.