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Lot Essay
The property of an important collector who was honoured to be able to acquire this breathtakingly beautiful work of art, “Promenade en Bac” is a unique piece and is offered in superb overall condition and with the full set of accessories. With an extremely beautiful enamel scene painted by one of the greatest living enamellists, it represents a major prize for Patek Philippe collectors and for those who simply appreciate and admire the very best of 20th century artisan craftsmanship.
This magnificent and spectacularly attractive yellow gold hunting cased pocket watch is decorated on the front cover with an entirely hand-painted scene after the Dutch old master Salomon van Ruysdael (1602-1670) using the technique of miniature painting on enamel. The incredible painting is by the world-renowned artist in enamel, Suzanne Rohr, one of the greatest independent enamellers in fine watchmaking, whose signature “S. Rohr, 1987” and “S. Van Ruysdael” can be found at the edge of her masterpiece of enamel art. Now in the collection of the Nation Gallery of Art in Washington, the original painting by Salomon Jacobsz van Ruysdael entitled "Rivierlandschap met veerpont" dates from 1649. It depicts a riverscape with Nyenrode castle on the left and a ferry on the right. The bow, bezel and case back have been specially engraved, emphasizing the attention to detail and refinement of this extraordinary pocket watch.
Responsible for the creation of many masterpieces for the Patek Philippe manufacture, timepieces bearing the Suzanne Rohr signature are actively sought-after by astute connoisseurs. This superbly elegant one-off work of horological art is a tribute to traditional and exceptional fine watchmaking craftsmanship with an aesthetic that is both incredibly striking and modern.
Mrs. Suzanne Rohr (b. 1939)
One of the last great artisan enamellers able to perpetuate the supremely exacting art of miniature painting on enamel, Mrs. Rohr specialises in portraits and works inspired by the old masters in a wide range of styles. Suzanne Rohr was awarded the Special Jury Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2017 and the 2019 Prix de Gaïa, category Artisanat, Création (arts and creation). Since 1993, the Musée International d’Horlogerie in La Chaux-de-Fonds has presented the Prix de Gaïa award for special achievements in watchmaking. The award has been described as the "Nobel Prize of watchmaking". It is awarded in three categories: "Artisanat, Création" (arts and creations), "Esprit d'Entreprise" (entrepreneurship) und "Histoire" (history and research).
Originally learning her art from the famous enamellist Carlo Poluzzi (1899-1978), since 1967, Suzanne Rohr has collaborated closely with Patek Philippe, reserving her talent exclusively for the company. An intensely private person, in her hands, the secret alchemy of enamel painting is used to endow these special Patek Philippe watches with an artistry and skill of unequalled depth and finesse. Each unique piece can take from a few months up to two years to complete. In 2016, Suzanne Rohr retired at the age of 80 after a remarkable career spanning more than 50 years.
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 pocket watch 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.
This magnificent and spectacularly attractive yellow gold hunting cased pocket watch is decorated on the front cover with an entirely hand-painted scene after the Dutch old master Salomon van Ruysdael (1602-1670) using the technique of miniature painting on enamel. The incredible painting is by the world-renowned artist in enamel, Suzanne Rohr, one of the greatest independent enamellers in fine watchmaking, whose signature “S. Rohr, 1987” and “S. Van Ruysdael” can be found at the edge of her masterpiece of enamel art. Now in the collection of the Nation Gallery of Art in Washington, the original painting by Salomon Jacobsz van Ruysdael entitled "Rivierlandschap met veerpont" dates from 1649. It depicts a riverscape with Nyenrode castle on the left and a ferry on the right. The bow, bezel and case back have been specially engraved, emphasizing the attention to detail and refinement of this extraordinary pocket watch.
Responsible for the creation of many masterpieces for the Patek Philippe manufacture, timepieces bearing the Suzanne Rohr signature are actively sought-after by astute connoisseurs. This superbly elegant one-off work of horological art is a tribute to traditional and exceptional fine watchmaking craftsmanship with an aesthetic that is both incredibly striking and modern.
Mrs. Suzanne Rohr (b. 1939)
One of the last great artisan enamellers able to perpetuate the supremely exacting art of miniature painting on enamel, Mrs. Rohr specialises in portraits and works inspired by the old masters in a wide range of styles. Suzanne Rohr was awarded the Special Jury Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève in 2017 and the 2019 Prix de Gaïa, category Artisanat, Création (arts and creation). Since 1993, the Musée International d’Horlogerie in La Chaux-de-Fonds has presented the Prix de Gaïa award for special achievements in watchmaking. The award has been described as the "Nobel Prize of watchmaking". It is awarded in three categories: "Artisanat, Création" (arts and creations), "Esprit d'Entreprise" (entrepreneurship) und "Histoire" (history and research).
Originally learning her art from the famous enamellist Carlo Poluzzi (1899-1978), since 1967, Suzanne Rohr has collaborated closely with Patek Philippe, reserving her talent exclusively for the company. An intensely private person, in her hands, the secret alchemy of enamel painting is used to endow these special Patek Philippe watches with an artistry and skill of unequalled depth and finesse. Each unique piece can take from a few months up to two years to complete. In 2016, Suzanne Rohr retired at the age of 80 after a remarkable career spanning more than 50 years.
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 pocket watch 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.