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Lot Essay
It is a great pleasure to present this extremely rare and dazzlingly attractive rose gold reference 7131/175R World Time wristwatch with cloisonné enamel dial depicting Geneva Harbour, one of the special models made to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Patek Philippe in 2014. Today, this reference is so cherished by its owners that of the 40 piece limited edition, the present watch is only the second example ever to appear at auction.
As one of the great contemporary treasures of the ‘Champion Collection’, this reference 7131/175R showcases Patek Philippe’s extraordinary skills in both horological complications and artistic craftsmanship. It is offered in superb like new condition with the full set of accessories including the 175th anniversary medal.
Not only does the masterful cloisonné enamel dial depict Geneva Harbour but the caseback is engraved with Patek Philippe’s anniversary inscription: “PATEK PHILIPPE GENEVE 175e Anniversaire 1839-2014”. Made by master enamellers for Patek Philippe’s Rare Handicrafts division, the cloisonné enamel decoration required approximately 10.5 cm of 24K gold ribbon and 23 opaque, transparent and opalescent enamel colours which were fired 10 times at high temperatures. The bezel of the rose gold case is set with 89 diamonds of 1.92 carats.
The Cloisonné Dial
Cloisonné enamel dials quite naturally take a prominent position in terms of beauty, craftsmanship and rarity. Highly detailed and made by the very best enamel artists of the period, cloisonné enamel dials can be found decorated with all manner of popular subjects such as tropical oasis, sail boats, flowers, portraits and maps. The production of these solid gold dials was extremely costly as they had to be individually made by a skilled craftsman and not on a production line. The artist created the outline of the desired motif by arranging thin gold wires on a dial. These partitions, called ‘cloisons’ in French, were filled with small quantities of enamel powder in the desired colour. The dial was then fired in an oven at around 800-900 degrees Celsius causing the powder to melt. Finally it was hand-polished until a perfectly flat surface was obtained. Hand-made by celebrated enamel artists, these dials can be regarded as unique works of art in their own right.
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. The resplendent watch 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.
As one of the great contemporary treasures of the ‘Champion Collection’, this reference 7131/175R showcases Patek Philippe’s extraordinary skills in both horological complications and artistic craftsmanship. It is offered in superb like new condition with the full set of accessories including the 175th anniversary medal.
Not only does the masterful cloisonné enamel dial depict Geneva Harbour but the caseback is engraved with Patek Philippe’s anniversary inscription: “PATEK PHILIPPE GENEVE 175e Anniversaire 1839-2014”. Made by master enamellers for Patek Philippe’s Rare Handicrafts division, the cloisonné enamel decoration required approximately 10.5 cm of 24K gold ribbon and 23 opaque, transparent and opalescent enamel colours which were fired 10 times at high temperatures. The bezel of the rose gold case is set with 89 diamonds of 1.92 carats.
The Cloisonné Dial
Cloisonné enamel dials quite naturally take a prominent position in terms of beauty, craftsmanship and rarity. Highly detailed and made by the very best enamel artists of the period, cloisonné enamel dials can be found decorated with all manner of popular subjects such as tropical oasis, sail boats, flowers, portraits and maps. The production of these solid gold dials was extremely costly as they had to be individually made by a skilled craftsman and not on a production line. The artist created the outline of the desired motif by arranging thin gold wires on a dial. These partitions, called ‘cloisons’ in French, were filled with small quantities of enamel powder in the desired colour. The dial was then fired in an oven at around 800-900 degrees Celsius causing the powder to melt. Finally it was hand-polished until a perfectly flat surface was obtained. Hand-made by celebrated enamel artists, these dials can be regarded as unique works of art in their own right.
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. The resplendent watch 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.