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Lot Essay
This extremely beautiful white gold reference 5089G-060 becomes even more astonishing when it is realized that the charming mountainous scene on the dial is an incredible artisan micro-marquetry wood creation made by Patek Philippe’s Rare Handicrafts Division. Marquetry is an extremely difficult craft to master, with very few artisans working today with the skills needed to produce such exceptionally fine work in miniature. The artisan must hand cut each piece of wood in order to achieve the highest level of detail and to ensure that each piece fits perfectly with the others.
The present watch was one of two versions of reference 5089 released in 2018 featuring marquetry dials depicting mountainous landscapes; reference 5089-059 ‘Roped Alpinists’ and this watch; reference 5089-060 ‘Lac d’Emosson’ in the Swiss canton of Valais, after the painting by the French geologist Jacques Debelmas. The scene is composed of 195 pieces of wood from 22 species. Christie’s is delighted to be able to offer this exceptional work of horological art, a superb prize for Patek Philippe collectors and for those who appreciate the very best of contemporary artisan craftsmanship.
This remarkable artwork showcases the unparalleled skills of Patek Philippe’s rare handicrafts division. The abilities of the amazing crafts people who create these exceptional works of art can only be wondered at. Made in very small editions and sets, rare handicrafts timepieces have become hugely iconic and highly collectable, with a strong international following eagerly awaiting the latest gem to be announced.
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 reference 5089 offered here pays tribute to Patek Philippe’s devotion to keeping these ancient crafts alive and demonstrates one of the sheer variety of techniques and subjects that enhance and enrich Patek Philippe’s enduring appeal and reputation for excellence in all aspects of watchmaking.
The present watch was one of two versions of reference 5089 released in 2018 featuring marquetry dials depicting mountainous landscapes; reference 5089-059 ‘Roped Alpinists’ and this watch; reference 5089-060 ‘Lac d’Emosson’ in the Swiss canton of Valais, after the painting by the French geologist Jacques Debelmas. The scene is composed of 195 pieces of wood from 22 species. Christie’s is delighted to be able to offer this exceptional work of horological art, a superb prize for Patek Philippe collectors and for those who appreciate the very best of contemporary artisan craftsmanship.
This remarkable artwork showcases the unparalleled skills of Patek Philippe’s rare handicrafts division. The abilities of the amazing crafts people who create these exceptional works of art can only be wondered at. Made in very small editions and sets, rare handicrafts timepieces have become hugely iconic and highly collectable, with a strong international following eagerly awaiting the latest gem to be announced.
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 reference 5089 offered here pays tribute to Patek Philippe’s devotion to keeping these ancient crafts alive and demonstrates one of the sheer variety of techniques and subjects that enhance and enrich Patek Philippe’s enduring appeal and reputation for excellence in all aspects of watchmaking.