In preparation for the annual Watches & Wonders fair in Geneva in April — the largest trade show in the watchmaking world — much is being said about which timepieces Patek Philippe will unveil.
But outside the sacred halls of the vast Palexpo convention center, Patek Philippe also hosts an event for its Rare Handcrafts at its museum in the city center. The pieces revealed here are the result of the craftsmanship that its métiers d’art artisans carry out each year with stunning detail.
This year, according to Robb Report, the watchmaker will unveil 78 pieces, including 23 of its instantly recognizable domed table clocks, one table clock, 10 pocket watches, and 44 wristwatches from the Calatrava and Golden Ellipse collections.
Today, the revered Swiss watchmaker offered a preview of just two of the unique and limited-edition creations that will debut at its Geneva salon next month. A Golden Ellipse wristwatch, reference 5738/50J-011 “Yellow-Crested Cockatoo,” and a domed table clock, reference 2019M-001 “Skiing in Days Gone By.” Both are meticulously executed in cloisonné enamel.
In this traditional Swiss decorative watchmaking technique, gold wires are arranged into a design and filled with enamel to create a scene. On top of this enamel, each piece is delicately hand-painted. The Ellipse required 90 cm of hand-shaped gold wire and 20 shades of opaque and opalescent enamel, while the table clock used over 16 m of gold wire in three different widths and 45 shades of mostly translucent enamel mixed with some semi-translucent or opaque versions of the material.
The skiing themes of the Cockatoo and Gstaad recreate scenes from the past, albeit centuries apart. The bird is a Swiss rendition of a silk painting by 18th-century Japanese artist Itô Jakuchi. Only 10 collectors will be able to own one. The exclusive domed clock — variations of which have been produced by the house since 1958 — follows cues from 20th-century vintage Swiss graphic design.
The dial center, exceptionally, is made of leather to mimic elements that might be found in a Swiss ski chalet. It will likely feel right at home in a chalet in Gstaad or the residence of a client who frequents the elite ski area.
As some collectors gravitate toward watches that stand out in a sea of sports watches (including Patek Philippe’s own Nautilus and now, the Cubitus), artist-led pieces like these may attract growing interest. Regardless, those already familiar with Patek Philippe’s rare handcrafts understand they are incredibly special pieces and instant heirlooms.
Those lucky enough to be in Geneva to see (and perhaps purchase) these pieces in real life will get an up-close look at some of the finest examples of Grand Feu cloisonné, grisaille, flinqué, paillonné, and Fauré enameling that Switzerland has to offer, along with hand engraving, hand guilloché, and gemstone setting.
Source: RobbReport
This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
