One of Switzerland’s most respected and recognized master enamellers, a standard bearer for the artisanal craft over the last two decades is the one and only, Madame Anita Porchet. A name that is music to the ears for rare handcrafts collectors, she is a revered independent master enameller whose works of art have adorned prestigious timepieces from coveted manufacturers such as Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe.

Requiring extreme precision, endurance and patience, the substance of enamel is incredibly hard to work with. A substance based on silica sand, the enamel is transparent and is colored via metal oxides crushed into fine powder and mixed with water to create a paste. Once applied on the surface and dried, it is inserted inside a kiln and heated with extremely high temperatures exceeding 800°C. With that said, the slightest imperfection on the surface developed during the heating process would mean that the dial would have to be redone again, until the perfect example is achieved by the skilled enameller, and thoroughly examined before it is eligible to be encased in a Patek Philippe watch.

Depicting the “blue macaw”, or what is also known as the hyacinth macaw native to parts of South America, the longest species of parrot is elegantly painted on an off-white enamel background. Much like Porchet’s depiction of the springbok (see lot 109), it is incredibly detailed and realistic, showing each individual feather. The hyacinth macaw stands out with its exceptional azure coloring, perfectly realized by Porchet. It is in factory-sealed, brand new condition with its original numbered hang tag.