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Lot Essay
The property of a very important collector, the present watch has, to the best of our knowledge, never been offered in public before. Magnificently demonstrating Patek Philippe’s quest for excellence, its superb overall condition and extremely beautiful enamel scene painted by one of the greatest 20th century enamellists makes it a wonderful trophy for collectors of rare timepieces.
The enamel scene is entirely hand-painted and signed by G. Menni, one of the last great enamellists able to perpetuate the supremely exacting art of miniature painting on enamel. Specialising in works inspired by the impressionists and old masters in a wide range of styles, G. Menni used the secret alchemy of enamel painting to endow these special Patek Philippe watches with an artistry and skill of unequalled depth and finesse. Each unique piece can take from a few months up to two years to complete. G. Menni painted approximately 50 miniature enamels for Patek Philippe, working in Geneva in the late 20th Century. Some of his works include famous scenes such as the Renoir’s Déjeuner des Canotiers (1990), the Picasso clown (1989) and the Canaletto Canale Grande (1984).
For centuries, fine enamelling has decorated and enriched watches, jewellery and objects d'art. Patek Philippe maintains this rare craft of miniature enamelling, traditionally associated with the finest Geneva timepieces, and in many ways the most difficult of the decorative arts. These rare timepieces are unique pieces and made to special order with the subject matter chosen by the client. They often include reproductions of famous works of art, portrait paintings, celebrities or even family members of the future owner.
A selection of Patek Philippe’s pocket watches embellished with enamel miniatures are on permanent exhibition at the prestigious Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, section "Enamelled and engraved pocket watches (1960-2000)", and illustrated in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches, Vol. II, pp. 368 – 381.
Reference 865, a hunter case pocket watch, was launched in 1969 and remained in production until the early 1990s. It was available in yellow and white gold and with a variety of decoration styles, including enamel miniatures or portraits, chased or engraved scenes and others.
The enamel scene is entirely hand-painted and signed by G. Menni, one of the last great enamellists able to perpetuate the supremely exacting art of miniature painting on enamel. Specialising in works inspired by the impressionists and old masters in a wide range of styles, G. Menni used the secret alchemy of enamel painting to endow these special Patek Philippe watches with an artistry and skill of unequalled depth and finesse. Each unique piece can take from a few months up to two years to complete. G. Menni painted approximately 50 miniature enamels for Patek Philippe, working in Geneva in the late 20th Century. Some of his works include famous scenes such as the Renoir’s Déjeuner des Canotiers (1990), the Picasso clown (1989) and the Canaletto Canale Grande (1984).
For centuries, fine enamelling has decorated and enriched watches, jewellery and objects d'art. Patek Philippe maintains this rare craft of miniature enamelling, traditionally associated with the finest Geneva timepieces, and in many ways the most difficult of the decorative arts. These rare timepieces are unique pieces and made to special order with the subject matter chosen by the client. They often include reproductions of famous works of art, portrait paintings, celebrities or even family members of the future owner.
A selection of Patek Philippe’s pocket watches embellished with enamel miniatures are on permanent exhibition at the prestigious Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, section "Enamelled and engraved pocket watches (1960-2000)", and illustrated in Patek Philippe Museum - Patek Philippe Watches, Vol. II, pp. 368 – 381.
Reference 865, a hunter case pocket watch, was launched in 1969 and remained in production until the early 1990s. It was available in yellow and white gold and with a variety of decoration styles, including enamel miniatures or portraits, chased or engraved scenes and others.