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Lot Essay
This exceptional hunter-cased watch is not only an important and unique work of art, but also holds particular significance in the history of Patek Philippe itself. The superbly executed enamel scene on the front depicts Patek Philippe’s historic and present manufactures, while the back cover is beautifully chased and engraved with the company’s iconic Calatrava Cross emblem. Evidently created to commemorate the inauguration of Patek Philippe’s new manufacture at Plan-les-Ouates, Geneva, in 1997, the watch represents a remarkable celebration of an important chapter in the history of the company.
The enamel scene is entirely hand-painted and signed by Giancarlo Menni, one of the last great enamellists capable of perpetuating the supremely exacting art of miniature painting on enamel. Such was Menni’s reputation and mastery that he was one of the very few artists whose work for Patek Philippe was permitted to bear his own signature. Magnificently demonstrating the manufacture’s enduring quest for excellence, the watch is further distinguished by its superb overall condition and highly appealing enamel scene, executed by one of the great enamellists of the late 20th century.
Specialising in compositions inspired by the Impressionists and Old Masters and working across a wide variety of styles, Giancarlo Menni employed the demanding art of enamel painting to endow these exceptional Patek Philippe watches with extraordinary depth, finesse and artistic character. Each unique creation could require anywhere from several months to as long as two years to complete. Working in Geneva during the late 20th century, Menni is believed to have painted approximately 50 miniature enamels for Patek Philippe, including interpretations of celebrated works and subjects such as Renoir’s Déjeuner des Canotiers in 1990, a Picasso clown in 1989 and Canaletto’s Canale Grande in 1984.
For centuries, fine enamelling has been used to decorate and enrich watches, jewelry and objets d’art. Patek Philippe has played an important role in maintaining the rare craft of miniature enamelling, traditionally associated with the finest Geneva timepieces and regarded as one of the most demanding of all the decorative arts. Such watches were generally created as unique pieces and often made to special order, with the subject selected by the client. Their miniature paintings could reproduce celebrated works of art, portraits and famous personalities, or even depict members of the future owner’s family.
Combining its unique subject, historical importance, exceptional craftsmanship and the artistry of Giancarlo Menni, the present watch represents both a celebration of Patek Philippe’s heritage and a superb example of the manufacture’s longstanding commitment to preserving the traditional Geneva art of miniature enamel painting.
The enamel scene is entirely hand-painted and signed by Giancarlo Menni, one of the last great enamellists capable of perpetuating the supremely exacting art of miniature painting on enamel. Such was Menni’s reputation and mastery that he was one of the very few artists whose work for Patek Philippe was permitted to bear his own signature. Magnificently demonstrating the manufacture’s enduring quest for excellence, the watch is further distinguished by its superb overall condition and highly appealing enamel scene, executed by one of the great enamellists of the late 20th century.
Specialising in compositions inspired by the Impressionists and Old Masters and working across a wide variety of styles, Giancarlo Menni employed the demanding art of enamel painting to endow these exceptional Patek Philippe watches with extraordinary depth, finesse and artistic character. Each unique creation could require anywhere from several months to as long as two years to complete. Working in Geneva during the late 20th century, Menni is believed to have painted approximately 50 miniature enamels for Patek Philippe, including interpretations of celebrated works and subjects such as Renoir’s Déjeuner des Canotiers in 1990, a Picasso clown in 1989 and Canaletto’s Canale Grande in 1984.
For centuries, fine enamelling has been used to decorate and enrich watches, jewelry and objets d’art. Patek Philippe has played an important role in maintaining the rare craft of miniature enamelling, traditionally associated with the finest Geneva timepieces and regarded as one of the most demanding of all the decorative arts. Such watches were generally created as unique pieces and often made to special order, with the subject selected by the client. Their miniature paintings could reproduce celebrated works of art, portraits and famous personalities, or even depict members of the future owner’s family.
Combining its unique subject, historical importance, exceptional craftsmanship and the artistry of Giancarlo Menni, the present watch represents both a celebration of Patek Philippe’s heritage and a superb example of the manufacture’s longstanding commitment to preserving the traditional Geneva art of miniature enamel painting.