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Lot Essay
Offered in perfect ‘as new’ condition with all accessories, this extremely beautiful watch becomes even more astonishing when it is realized that the charming scene of an old Lake Geneva barque on the back cover is made of wood marquetry – composed of 25 different species of wood in 106 pieces and 30 tiny incrustations set into the marquetry. The border, bezel and bow are hand-engraved to provide the perfect framing for the artwork and the tonally complementary beige enamel dial on a gold plate has a power reserve indication, a feature rarely seen on contemporary pocket watches and usually reserved for the finest precision timepieces. In order to view this stunning watch to best advantage, it is provided with a sumptuous white gold and ebony stand so that the owner can display it as a desk clock when not being worn as a pocket watch. Available in a small and highly exclusive edition in either rose or white gold, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of reference 982⁄181G to be offered at international auction.
To commemorate the 175th anniversary of Patek Philippe in 2014, the Stern family, owners of the company since 1932, commissioned a series of 40 wristwatches, pocket watches and dome clocks either as unique pieces or strictly limited edition pieces to showcase the different rare handicraft skills that Patek Philippe had helped to save from extinction. This special series of watches, of which the present watch ‘Lateen Sails’ is a wonderful example, were inspired by the natural beauty of Lake Geneva.
Patek Philippe’s rare handicrafts division is dedicated to the preservation of the eclectic artisanal skills that have been associated with horology for over 400 years. The continuing use of these precious techniques in modern watchmaking contributes to their survival whilst at the same time delighting and impressing collectors and connoisseurs.
Many of the miniature artworks for this series were inspired by original paintings in the personal collection of Philippe Stern and demonstrate the extraordinary mastery of techniques of Patek Philippe’s artisans.
Different decorative mediums were employed over the range and included engraving, painting on enamel, cloisonné enamel and guilloche. The most unusual decorative technique, demonstrated by the present watch, is perhaps that of micro-marquetry in wood. The artist must cut and shape, then painstakingly position miniscule veneers of coloured wood to create a work of art on a tiny scale. Although the technique has been used in furniture making for centuries, it was first used in this form by Patek Philippe in 2008 following a customer’s special request. The finished result is quite remarkable and is so finely executed that it is almost impossible to believe that the scene is created from wood.
This exceptional work of horological art is a prize for Patek Philippe collectors and for those who appreciate the very best of contemporary artisan craftsmanship.
Ref. 982⁄181G is illustrated in the ‘Blue Book 5’, 2021 edition by Eric Tortella, page 167-
To commemorate the 175th anniversary of Patek Philippe in 2014, the Stern family, owners of the company since 1932, commissioned a series of 40 wristwatches, pocket watches and dome clocks either as unique pieces or strictly limited edition pieces to showcase the different rare handicraft skills that Patek Philippe had helped to save from extinction. This special series of watches, of which the present watch ‘Lateen Sails’ is a wonderful example, were inspired by the natural beauty of Lake Geneva.
Patek Philippe’s rare handicrafts division is dedicated to the preservation of the eclectic artisanal skills that have been associated with horology for over 400 years. The continuing use of these precious techniques in modern watchmaking contributes to their survival whilst at the same time delighting and impressing collectors and connoisseurs.
Many of the miniature artworks for this series were inspired by original paintings in the personal collection of Philippe Stern and demonstrate the extraordinary mastery of techniques of Patek Philippe’s artisans.
Different decorative mediums were employed over the range and included engraving, painting on enamel, cloisonné enamel and guilloche. The most unusual decorative technique, demonstrated by the present watch, is perhaps that of micro-marquetry in wood. The artist must cut and shape, then painstakingly position miniscule veneers of coloured wood to create a work of art on a tiny scale. Although the technique has been used in furniture making for centuries, it was first used in this form by Patek Philippe in 2008 following a customer’s special request. The finished result is quite remarkable and is so finely executed that it is almost impossible to believe that the scene is created from wood.
This exceptional work of horological art is a prize for Patek Philippe collectors and for those who appreciate the very best of contemporary artisan craftsmanship.
Ref. 982⁄181G is illustrated in the ‘Blue Book 5’, 2021 edition by Eric Tortella, page 167-