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Lot Essay
This stunning platinum Patek Philippe rare handicrafts watch is one of an extremely exclusive limited edition created in 2014 featuring a remarkable artisan hand painted enamel dial in the technique of ‘en grisaille’ depicting the famous Notre Dame gargoyle ‘Le Stryge’ against a background of the Paris Cathedral. To the best of our knowledge, this extremely rare ‘Notre Dame de Paris’ reference 5077P-099, is the first of its kind to be offered at international auction. Presented in immaculate like new condition, it is accompanied by the full set of accessories.
Beautiful and atmospheric, the Grisaille enamel dial - a technique of applying white enamel over a black base to create deep tonal shading, depicts the gargoyle known as ‘Le Stryge’, the most famous chimera or grotesque on Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. The figure is seated atop the south tower and the contemplative, brooding stone figure became an iconic symbol of the city. Added in the 1840s during the Gothic revival restoration of Notre-Dame led by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, the figure is designed to evoke medieval tales and ward off evil spirits. Inside this wonderful collector’s piece is the Patek calibre 240 ultra-thin automatic movement which can be viewed through the transparent caseback.
The present watch provides collectors with an opportunity to obtain one of the most exclusive of Patek Philippe’s rare handicrafts pieces which almost never become available on the open market.
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 resplendent 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.
The wristwatches with rare handicrafts enamel dials, always made in very small editions are now eagerly awaited as iconic and highly collectable horological works of art.
Beautiful and atmospheric, the Grisaille enamel dial - a technique of applying white enamel over a black base to create deep tonal shading, depicts the gargoyle known as ‘Le Stryge’, the most famous chimera or grotesque on Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. The figure is seated atop the south tower and the contemplative, brooding stone figure became an iconic symbol of the city. Added in the 1840s during the Gothic revival restoration of Notre-Dame led by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, the figure is designed to evoke medieval tales and ward off evil spirits. Inside this wonderful collector’s piece is the Patek calibre 240 ultra-thin automatic movement which can be viewed through the transparent caseback.
The present watch provides collectors with an opportunity to obtain one of the most exclusive of Patek Philippe’s rare handicrafts pieces which almost never become available on the open market.
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 resplendent 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.
The wristwatches with rare handicrafts enamel dials, always made in very small editions are now eagerly awaited as iconic and highly collectable horological works of art.