.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
This exquisite Rare Handicrafts reference 5089G-061 ‘The Porter’ was presented as a limited edition at the 2017 Baselworld Fair. The grand feu enamel dial is exquisitely hand painted by one of Patek Philippe’s remarkable artists with a scene of a market porter in monochrome blue in the azulejo style. The adoption of this particularly Iberian art form was a world-first in miniature by Patek Philippe. The present watch has remained single-sealed, pristine, and untouched by human hand since the day it left the Patek Philippe manufacture. It is also accompanied by the full set of accessories. An undoubted exclusive trophy for those who appreciate the breathtaking artistic skills of Patek Philippe’s rare handicrafts department.
Azulejo-style enamel dials are true masterpieces that captivate collectors and watch enthusiasts. Each one is truly unique because every single dial is entirely crafted by hand and therefore no two dials are ever exactly alike.
Each painting is applied to a white enamel base on a thin round plate in 18K gold. It is then fired in the enamel kiln at 800 to 850°C, the artist then adds enamel paints in various shades of blue layer by layer to recreate, with as much realism as possible, the impression of a large-format azulejo within the confines of a small watch dial with stunning success. This painstaking process involves one enamel layer after another being applied and fired, always with the risk that the smallest mistake in the kiln would cause irreversible damage. 12 separate firings are required in the creation of a single azulejos dial. The finished miniature is sealed with a highly transparent enamel coating that preserves the beauty of the motif for all time.
Azulejo
As a form of artistry of Arabic origin, Azulejo gained widespread recognition in Portugal and southern Spain. Individual square ceramic tiles are assembled in a mosaic-like fashion to create murals that adorn extravagant villas as well as many buildings, walls, and façades in public spaces. The fascinating tile ensembles are extremely weather resistant and can withstand significant temperature fluctuations, torrential rainfall as well as the salty air in coastal regions. They can easily survive even centuries of exposure.
Patek Philippe’s Rare Handicrafts Division
Patek Philippe has been 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 azulejo style wristwatch 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.
Azulejo-style enamel dials are true masterpieces that captivate collectors and watch enthusiasts. Each one is truly unique because every single dial is entirely crafted by hand and therefore no two dials are ever exactly alike.
Each painting is applied to a white enamel base on a thin round plate in 18K gold. It is then fired in the enamel kiln at 800 to 850°C, the artist then adds enamel paints in various shades of blue layer by layer to recreate, with as much realism as possible, the impression of a large-format azulejo within the confines of a small watch dial with stunning success. This painstaking process involves one enamel layer after another being applied and fired, always with the risk that the smallest mistake in the kiln would cause irreversible damage. 12 separate firings are required in the creation of a single azulejos dial. The finished miniature is sealed with a highly transparent enamel coating that preserves the beauty of the motif for all time.
Azulejo
As a form of artistry of Arabic origin, Azulejo gained widespread recognition in Portugal and southern Spain. Individual square ceramic tiles are assembled in a mosaic-like fashion to create murals that adorn extravagant villas as well as many buildings, walls, and façades in public spaces. The fascinating tile ensembles are extremely weather resistant and can withstand significant temperature fluctuations, torrential rainfall as well as the salty air in coastal regions. They can easily survive even centuries of exposure.
Patek Philippe’s Rare Handicrafts Division
Patek Philippe has been 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 azulejo style wristwatch 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.