.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
Dome Clock Sailing Boats
A unique cloisonné enamel masterpiece, the scene of sailing ships at sea is particularly skillful in that the three individual side panels of the dome clock are decorated to form one larger panorama. The scene is continued into the dome to give the impression of a large blustery sky with two gulls circling high above. The overall effect is of an oil painting, successfully suggesting movement to the waves, sea spray and windy sky. When it is considered that this is made of hard-fired enamel, the design of which was meticulously planned, the scene’s apparent immediacy is all the more remarkable. The artist responsible for this stunning work of art created in 1979, was Elisabeth Perusset Lagger, a celebrated master enemeller who excelled in fine cloisonné work. Mme. Peruset Lagger was predominantly employed to make the panels for Patek Philippe Dome clocks, the curved panels and dome presenting an extraordinary challenge that could only be mastered after years of practice. Enamellers such as Mme. Peruset Lagger were the very best in the world, only a handful of such skillful artisans existed at any one time and their work was always in constant demand by the great watch houses. Due to the fact that the technique is so labour intensive and can only be done by hand, only a tiny number of pieces each year could ever be made.
A wonderful trophy for collectors of rare timepieces, the present dome clock, now over 40 years old, is an artistic triumph and an important example of Elisabeth Perusset Lagger’s work for Patek Philippe.
Patek Philippe Dome Clocks
Patek Philippe opened its Electronic Division in 1948 with the goal of exploring photoelectric, electronic, and nuclear timekeeping. The department produced the groundbreaking solar clock, the first of its kind. In 1955, the solar-powered photoelectric clocks were exhibited at the 1955 World Symposium, and displayed at the Museum of Science in Boston, Massachusetts. In the 1960's, Patek Philippe began using quartz technology in its clock production, and began phasing out the use of solar versions. These ‘Dome’ clocks are highly collectable, and often feature a unique and individually decorated case, featuring cloisonné enamel scenes such as the present clock.
Towards the end of the 1940's, the Swiss watchmaking industry began using the technique of cloisonné enamel. This technique uses fine bands (filaments) of gold or copper to outline the design subject, which are then soldered to the surface of a plate. The empty spaces are then filled with ground enamel and fired multiple times so that the surface becomes perfectly level. The technique requires both practical and artistic ability which explains why so few artists master the art at the level of quality insisted upon by Patek Philippe.
A unique cloisonné enamel masterpiece, the scene of sailing ships at sea is particularly skillful in that the three individual side panels of the dome clock are decorated to form one larger panorama. The scene is continued into the dome to give the impression of a large blustery sky with two gulls circling high above. The overall effect is of an oil painting, successfully suggesting movement to the waves, sea spray and windy sky. When it is considered that this is made of hard-fired enamel, the design of which was meticulously planned, the scene’s apparent immediacy is all the more remarkable. The artist responsible for this stunning work of art created in 1979, was Elisabeth Perusset Lagger, a celebrated master enemeller who excelled in fine cloisonné work. Mme. Peruset Lagger was predominantly employed to make the panels for Patek Philippe Dome clocks, the curved panels and dome presenting an extraordinary challenge that could only be mastered after years of practice. Enamellers such as Mme. Peruset Lagger were the very best in the world, only a handful of such skillful artisans existed at any one time and their work was always in constant demand by the great watch houses. Due to the fact that the technique is so labour intensive and can only be done by hand, only a tiny number of pieces each year could ever be made.
A wonderful trophy for collectors of rare timepieces, the present dome clock, now over 40 years old, is an artistic triumph and an important example of Elisabeth Perusset Lagger’s work for Patek Philippe.
Patek Philippe Dome Clocks
Patek Philippe opened its Electronic Division in 1948 with the goal of exploring photoelectric, electronic, and nuclear timekeeping. The department produced the groundbreaking solar clock, the first of its kind. In 1955, the solar-powered photoelectric clocks were exhibited at the 1955 World Symposium, and displayed at the Museum of Science in Boston, Massachusetts. In the 1960's, Patek Philippe began using quartz technology in its clock production, and began phasing out the use of solar versions. These ‘Dome’ clocks are highly collectable, and often feature a unique and individually decorated case, featuring cloisonné enamel scenes such as the present clock.
Towards the end of the 1940's, the Swiss watchmaking industry began using the technique of cloisonné enamel. This technique uses fine bands (filaments) of gold or copper to outline the design subject, which are then soldered to the surface of a plate. The empty spaces are then filled with ground enamel and fired multiple times so that the surface becomes perfectly level. The technique requires both practical and artistic ability which explains why so few artists master the art at the level of quality insisted upon by Patek Philippe.