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Lot Essay
Patek Philippe Tigre du Bengal
This magnificent and spectacularly beautiful white gold, diamond and aquamarine-set reference 982/128G-001 ‘Tigre du Bengal’ pocket and desk watch is decorated on the back cover with an incredibly lifelike depiction of a Bengal tiger crashing through the ocean waves using the techniques of both cloisonné and miniature painting on enamel. The painting is by the world-renowned Anita Porchet, one of the greatest independent enamellers in fine watchmaking, whose signature can be found at the edge of her masterpiece of enamel art.
Responsible for the creation of many masterpieces for the Patek Philippe manufacture, timepieces bearing the Anita Porchet signature are actively sought-after by astute connoisseurs. Of added interest, the signature on the present enamel features her family name in full (A. Porchet), instead of the more often seen initials A.P.
In order to view this stunning watch to best advantage, it is provided with a sumptuous signed Patek Philippe aquamarine-set white gold and hardstone stand chased and engraved with wave motifs so that the owner can display it as a desk clock when not being worn as a pocket watch. Offered in superb like new condition, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of reference 982⁄128G to be offered at international auction.
Adding a further layer of exclusivity and individuality is the superb guilloché blue mother of pearl dial that is decorated with a pattern to echo the tiger’s stripes. The lustrous blue colour of the dial harmonizes perfectly with the white gold Breguet numerals. The dial also displays a power reserve indication a feature rarely seen on contemporary pocket watches and usually reserved for the finest precision timepieces.
This superbly elegant work of horological art is a tribute to traditional and exceptional fine watchmaking craftsmanship with an aesthetic that is both incredibly striking and modern. A true prize for Patek Philippe collectors and for those who simply appreciate and admire the very best of contemporary artisan craftsmanship.
Anita Porchet (b. 1961)
Born in La Chaux-de-fonds, Anita Porchet learnt the basics of enamel work from Pierre Schneeberger, her godfather, himself an engraver and enameller. Following studies in fine arts, she continued her apprenticeship with the world renowned enameller Suzanne Rohr. Accomplished in all the different enamelling techniques: cloisonne, champleve, plique-à-jour, grisaille, paillonee and miniature painting, Anita Porchet has collaborated since the early 1990s with Patek Philippe and played a significant role in reviving the fine art of enamelling. Anita Porchet has been honoured with the following prestigious awards:
2016 : "Artisan d'art 2016", Les journées européennes des métiers d’art (JEMA), Vaud
2016 : "Hommage au Talent", Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, Cité du Temps à Genève
2015 : "Prix Gaïa" dans la catégorie Artisanat-création, Musée International d’Horlogerie de la Chaux-de-Fonds
1984 : "Prix Patek Philippe", Manufacture Patek Philippe, Genève
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 with the extraordinary mastery of techniques of Patek Philippe’s artisans.
This magnificent and spectacularly beautiful white gold, diamond and aquamarine-set reference 982/128G-001 ‘Tigre du Bengal’ pocket and desk watch is decorated on the back cover with an incredibly lifelike depiction of a Bengal tiger crashing through the ocean waves using the techniques of both cloisonné and miniature painting on enamel. The painting is by the world-renowned Anita Porchet, one of the greatest independent enamellers in fine watchmaking, whose signature can be found at the edge of her masterpiece of enamel art.
Responsible for the creation of many masterpieces for the Patek Philippe manufacture, timepieces bearing the Anita Porchet signature are actively sought-after by astute connoisseurs. Of added interest, the signature on the present enamel features her family name in full (A. Porchet), instead of the more often seen initials A.P.
In order to view this stunning watch to best advantage, it is provided with a sumptuous signed Patek Philippe aquamarine-set white gold and hardstone stand chased and engraved with wave motifs so that the owner can display it as a desk clock when not being worn as a pocket watch. Offered in superb like new condition, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of reference 982⁄128G to be offered at international auction.
Adding a further layer of exclusivity and individuality is the superb guilloché blue mother of pearl dial that is decorated with a pattern to echo the tiger’s stripes. The lustrous blue colour of the dial harmonizes perfectly with the white gold Breguet numerals. The dial also displays a power reserve indication a feature rarely seen on contemporary pocket watches and usually reserved for the finest precision timepieces.
This superbly elegant work of horological art is a tribute to traditional and exceptional fine watchmaking craftsmanship with an aesthetic that is both incredibly striking and modern. A true prize for Patek Philippe collectors and for those who simply appreciate and admire the very best of contemporary artisan craftsmanship.
Anita Porchet (b. 1961)
Born in La Chaux-de-fonds, Anita Porchet learnt the basics of enamel work from Pierre Schneeberger, her godfather, himself an engraver and enameller. Following studies in fine arts, she continued her apprenticeship with the world renowned enameller Suzanne Rohr. Accomplished in all the different enamelling techniques: cloisonne, champleve, plique-à-jour, grisaille, paillonee and miniature painting, Anita Porchet has collaborated since the early 1990s with Patek Philippe and played a significant role in reviving the fine art of enamelling. Anita Porchet has been honoured with the following prestigious awards:
2016 : "Artisan d'art 2016", Les journées européennes des métiers d’art (JEMA), Vaud
2016 : "Hommage au Talent", Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, Cité du Temps à Genève
2015 : "Prix Gaïa" dans la catégorie Artisanat-création, Musée International d’Horlogerie de la Chaux-de-Fonds
1984 : "Prix Patek Philippe", Manufacture Patek Philippe, Genève
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 with the extraordinary mastery of techniques of Patek Philippe’s artisans.