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Lot Essay
US$40,000-60,000
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming dates of manufacture and sale.
The first domed photoelectric clocks appeared around 1957, bearing a mechanical 17" movement that winded electrically. Revolutionary for their time, they were exhibited at the 1955 World Symposium and displayed at the Museum of Science in Boston. Their significance continues to the present day, demonstrating Patek Philippe's unwavering commitment to innovation and research. The inner mechanism is complemented by the modern abstract enamel design on the exterior. Whilst the top features a dome with an aperture for the photo-electric cell, the sides comprise of three exquisitely executed cloisonné enamel panels. Comparable to the format of triptychs, which originated as an ecclesiastical art form in the Middle Ages, these three panels form a visual dialogue. One of the many strengths of Patek Philippe is its beautiful enamelling and this is underlined by its legacy - the firm has its roots in a dial factory that produced enamel dials. As Philippe Stern stated that "People want something unique... It's coming back to art. People realize enameling is beautiful and very difficult to do-only a few artists in the world are capable of this quality."
This present lot is one of the second generation, first series solar domed clocks to feature a 17 250 PE calibre, directly derivated from the 17''' pocket watch movement. Signed by the eminent enameller Madame Luce Chappaz, this captivating scene features a glorious autumnal palette; the subjects are depicted with a myriad of colours, each different glass compound contained within wire cells (cloisons). The thrill of the hunt is charmingly evoked, with the mounted hunters attired in traditional scarlet coats and riding boots, lively hounds sniffing out the scent and a huntsman with a horn to communicate to the rest of the hunting party. To our knowledge, this is the first time that this present lot is appearing on the market.
With Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming dates of manufacture and sale.
The first domed photoelectric clocks appeared around 1957, bearing a mechanical 17" movement that winded electrically. Revolutionary for their time, they were exhibited at the 1955 World Symposium and displayed at the Museum of Science in Boston. Their significance continues to the present day, demonstrating Patek Philippe's unwavering commitment to innovation and research. The inner mechanism is complemented by the modern abstract enamel design on the exterior. Whilst the top features a dome with an aperture for the photo-electric cell, the sides comprise of three exquisitely executed cloisonné enamel panels. Comparable to the format of triptychs, which originated as an ecclesiastical art form in the Middle Ages, these three panels form a visual dialogue. One of the many strengths of Patek Philippe is its beautiful enamelling and this is underlined by its legacy - the firm has its roots in a dial factory that produced enamel dials. As Philippe Stern stated that "People want something unique... It's coming back to art. People realize enameling is beautiful and very difficult to do-only a few artists in the world are capable of this quality."
This present lot is one of the second generation, first series solar domed clocks to feature a 17 250 PE calibre, directly derivated from the 17''' pocket watch movement. Signed by the eminent enameller Madame Luce Chappaz, this captivating scene features a glorious autumnal palette; the subjects are depicted with a myriad of colours, each different glass compound contained within wire cells (cloisons). The thrill of the hunt is charmingly evoked, with the mounted hunters attired in traditional scarlet coats and riding boots, lively hounds sniffing out the scent and a huntsman with a horn to communicate to the rest of the hunting party. To our knowledge, this is the first time that this present lot is appearing on the market.