SIGNED PATEK PHILIPPE, GENEVE, REF. 974/22, MOVEMENT 1'945'137, CASE NO. 4'034'245, CIRCA 2003

The property of an important collector, this superbly elegant reference 974/22 painted with a springbok is a tribute to traditional and exceptional fine watchmaking craftsmanship. Made using Grand Feu enamelling and painted by hand, it is the creation of Anita Porchet, one of the greatest independent enamellers in fine watchmaking. One of a series of watches each decorated with a painting of an individual animal or bird, the resulting aesthetic is incredibly striking and modern.
Never offered in public before, its 'like new' overall condition and extremely beautiful enamel scene render this stunning watch a wonderful trophy for collectors of rare timepieces.

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