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Lot Essay
Showcasing the unparalleled skills of Patek Philippe’s rare handicrafts division is the breathtakingly beautiful reference 5077 with entirely handmade precious and spectacular cloisonné enamel dials. The abilities of the amazing crafts people who create these exceptional works of art in enamel can only be wondered at. Made in very small editions and sets, these cloisonné dial Patek Philippe timepieces have become hugely iconic and highly collectable, with a strong international following eagerly awaiting the latest gem to be announced.
The rarity behind these timepieces is of course the stunning cloisonné enamel dials, an art that is thought to have originated in 14th century China. Some of the dials in fact combine several enameling techniques including Grand Feu cloisonnè, flinqué and miniature painting in order to create the desired decorative effect. The artist forms the outlines by arranging thin gold wires on a hand-engraved gold dial plate. The partitions, called ‘cloisons’ in French, are filled with small quantities of enamel powder in the desired colour. The dial is then fired in a furnace at around 1000 degrees Celsius causing the powder to melt. Finally it is hand-polished until obtaining a perfectly flat glass-like surface. The creation of each dial requires several firings, using a range of different enamel colours. It takes one of Patek Philippe’s master enamellists approximately 7 days of work to create such an individual work of art.
Patek Philippe’s rare handicrafts division is 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 superb reference 5077G offered here pays tribute to Patek Philippe’s devotion to keeping these ancient crafts alive and demonstrates the techniques that enhance and enrich Patek Philippe’s enduring appeal and reputation for excellence in all aspects of watchmaking.
The rarity behind these timepieces is of course the stunning cloisonné enamel dials, an art that is thought to have originated in 14th century China. Some of the dials in fact combine several enameling techniques including Grand Feu cloisonnè, flinqué and miniature painting in order to create the desired decorative effect. The artist forms the outlines by arranging thin gold wires on a hand-engraved gold dial plate. The partitions, called ‘cloisons’ in French, are filled with small quantities of enamel powder in the desired colour. The dial is then fired in a furnace at around 1000 degrees Celsius causing the powder to melt. Finally it is hand-polished until obtaining a perfectly flat glass-like surface. The creation of each dial requires several firings, using a range of different enamel colours. It takes one of Patek Philippe’s master enamellists approximately 7 days of work to create such an individual work of art.
Patek Philippe’s rare handicrafts division is 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 superb reference 5077G offered here pays tribute to Patek Philippe’s devotion to keeping these ancient crafts alive and demonstrates the techniques that enhance and enrich Patek Philippe’s enduring appeal and reputation for excellence in all aspects of watchmaking.