Since the beginning of the 17th century, enameling has been used to adorn watch cases and dials. Requiring extreme precision, concentration and meticulous artisanal craftsmanship, miniature enamelling is a complex art form that few artisans can master today, making it an endangered craft. Based on silica sand, enamel is a transparent material that is colored via metal oxides crushed into fine power and mixed with water to create a paste. Once applied on the dial surface and dried, it is inserted inside a kiln and heated with extremely high temperatures exceeding 800°C. The slightest imperfection developed during the heating process would mean that the dial has to be redone again, until the perfect dial is achieved and thoroughly examined before it can be encased in a Patek Philippe case.

Introduced at the Baselworld 2017, the Patek Philippe ref. 5077/100R-031 features an intricate polychrome miniature enamel dial depicting a pair of colourful Roller birds amidst a sea of blossoming pink Wisteria flowers and green leaves on the backdrop. The superb touch of the enamel artist beautifully captures the soft feathers, flower petals and leaves with naturalistic brush strokes and mesmerizing colour combination. The layering of the purple tone accentuates the depth of the dial and imbues a vivid and lively atmosphere to the natural scene, with the purple color resonated with the matching purple Crocodile strap. The diamond-set bezel, lugs and pin buckle of the timepiece further add to the glamor of the timepiece, making it a true prized gem for collectors.

Presented in excellent overall condition, this artisanal piece gives a beautiful presence on the wrist, and it is a fantastic opportunity for lovers and collectors of enamel timepieces to acquire a dazzling, attractive and rare example intricately crafted by the master enamellers of Patek Philippe.