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Lot Essay
Sold at Patek Philippe’s Rue du Rhone salon in September 2021, this small-size unique and superb example of Patek Philippe’s famous ‘Dome’ clocks is decorated by Patek Philippe’s Rare Handicrafts division’s most experienced enamellers using the ancient art of cloisonné enamelling to create an incredible work of art. Named ‘Azulejos in Blue’, the entirely hand-made cloisonné enamel panels, dial and dome are decorated with a strong geometric design to resemble Spanish and Portuguese azulejos, the geometric ceramic tilework found throughout the in the Iberian peninsula. Certainly one of the most beautiful and appealing designs so far seen on one of these unique and highly exclusive timepieces, the present clock is also unusual in being presented in a silvered case which lends a distinctly contemporary aesthetic.
The design is created by the highly skilled enamel artist using a variety of opaque and transparent enamel colours, each element requiring eight or nine firings at a temperature of 850 degrees centigrade. The design requires several meters of 0.6 mm gold wire to form the cells or ‘cloisons’ which are then filled with enamel powder and fired. Some of the finer details are rendered in miniature painting on the enamel.
The cloisonné enamel technique is only ever used by Patek Philippe for very small editions of timepieces or unique dome clocks. The very limited production is a result of the few artisans skilled enough to decorate the clock's challenging curved surfaces, exquisite works of art in their own right and highly appreciated in today's collector market. Since their launch in 1955, few examples of these clocks are produced every year, each unique by its individually decorated case featuring cloisonné enamel scenes or sometimes engraved or leather-covered with applied ornaments. The completion of one single clock can take up to a year, resulting in an exceptionally beautiful work of art.
Azulejo
Refers to a form of artistry of Arabic origin which in Portugal and southern Spain gained widespread recognition. Individual square ceramic tiles are assembled in a mosaic-like fashion to create murals that adorn extravagant villas as well as many buildings, walls, and façades in public spaces. The fascinating tile ensembles are extremely weather resistant and can withstand significant temperature fluctuations, torrential rainfall as well as the salty air in coastal regions. They can easily survive even centuries of exposure.
Patek Philippe’s Rare Handicrafts Division
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. The resplendent clock offered here pays tribute to Patek Philippe’s devotion to keeping these ancient crafts alive and demonstrates the mastery of techniques and subjects that enhance and enrich Patek Philippe’s enduring appeal and reputation for excellence in all aspects of watchmaking.
The dome clocks, pocket watches and wristwatches with rare handicrafts cloisonné enamel decoration, always made as unique pieces or in very small editions are now eagerly awaited as iconic and highly collectable horological works of art.
The design is created by the highly skilled enamel artist using a variety of opaque and transparent enamel colours, each element requiring eight or nine firings at a temperature of 850 degrees centigrade. The design requires several meters of 0.6 mm gold wire to form the cells or ‘cloisons’ which are then filled with enamel powder and fired. Some of the finer details are rendered in miniature painting on the enamel.
The cloisonné enamel technique is only ever used by Patek Philippe for very small editions of timepieces or unique dome clocks. The very limited production is a result of the few artisans skilled enough to decorate the clock's challenging curved surfaces, exquisite works of art in their own right and highly appreciated in today's collector market. Since their launch in 1955, few examples of these clocks are produced every year, each unique by its individually decorated case featuring cloisonné enamel scenes or sometimes engraved or leather-covered with applied ornaments. The completion of one single clock can take up to a year, resulting in an exceptionally beautiful work of art.
Azulejo
Refers to a form of artistry of Arabic origin which in Portugal and southern Spain gained widespread recognition. Individual square ceramic tiles are assembled in a mosaic-like fashion to create murals that adorn extravagant villas as well as many buildings, walls, and façades in public spaces. The fascinating tile ensembles are extremely weather resistant and can withstand significant temperature fluctuations, torrential rainfall as well as the salty air in coastal regions. They can easily survive even centuries of exposure.
Patek Philippe’s Rare Handicrafts Division
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. The resplendent clock offered here pays tribute to Patek Philippe’s devotion to keeping these ancient crafts alive and demonstrates the mastery of techniques and subjects that enhance and enrich Patek Philippe’s enduring appeal and reputation for excellence in all aspects of watchmaking.
The dome clocks, pocket watches and wristwatches with rare handicrafts cloisonné enamel decoration, always made as unique pieces or in very small editions are now eagerly awaited as iconic and highly collectable horological works of art.