Manufacturer: Patek Philippe Year: 1980 Reference No: 1103 Movement No: 1'803'515 Model Name: "La Nature" Material: Gilt brass and enamel Calibre: Photoelectric cell, cal. 33 Dimensions: 142mm Width, 142mm Height, 90mm Length Signed: Case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin dated February 28, 1989 confirming that the present gilt metal timepiece with photoelectric quartz movement and cloisonné enamel "La Nature" decoration is a unique piece and original invoice dated February 28, 1989 stating a reduction of 3,000CHF and net charge of 25,500CHF. Furthermore delivered with Patek Philippe service receipt dated July 8, 2014 and Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1980 and its subsequent sale on February 29, 1989.
Catalogue Essay
Originally consigned by the family of the original owner at auction in the past, the present desk clock is nothing short of spectacular. Dubbed "La Nature", this timepiece is confirmed by the Certificate of Origin as being a unique piece. Rendered in polychrome enamel with deep shades of orange, red and maroon, the present clock depicts women among flora and fauna. Undulating leaves and branches rise and fall throughout the tableau, while the side panels are designed with delicately painted birds. Composed in a cubist style, there is an emphasis on a flat, two-dimensional surface, along with an abstract interpretation of space and dimension.
The desk clock is the perfect canvas for an artisan to showcase his or her ability to create beautiful paintings. To apply enamel on the panels requires extremely delicate handling and high technical ability, as enamel is particularly prone to cracking. The relatively vast space furthermore enables the artisan to exhibit a wide range of color and design.
Offered in pristine condition, this desk clock is replete with its original certificate and invoice, stating the original price of purchase in 1989 for 25,500 CHF at the Patek Philippe Salon. Interestingly, this clock sat in the boutique for nine years before its sale in 1989. Today, it is one of the rarest and most desirable enamel clocks on the market, attesting to Patek Philippe's vision, which was completely ahead of its time.
The enamel of this clock was created by Elisabeth Perusset Lagger, a master enameller, who created polychrome enamel masterpieces for Patek Philippe in the second half of the 20th century.
Since its founding in 1839, this famous Geneva-based firm has been surprising its clientele with superbly crafted timepieces fitted with watchmaking's most prestigious complications. Traditional and conservative designs are found across Patek Philippe's watches made throughout their history — the utmost in understated elegance.
Well-known for the Graves Supercomplication — a highly complicated pocket watch that was the world’s most complicated watch for 50 years — this family-owned brand has earned a reputation of excellence around the world. Patek's complicated vintage watches hold the highest number of world records for results achieved at auction compared with any other brand. For collectors, key models include the reference 1518, the world's first serially produced perpetual calendar chronograph, and its successor, the reference 2499. Other famous models include perpetual calendars such as the ref. 1526, ref. 3448 and 3450, chronographs such as the reference 130, 530 and 1463, as well as reference 1436 and 1563 split seconds chronographs. Patek is also well-known for their classically styled, time-only "Calatrava" dress watches, and the "Nautilus," an iconic luxury sports watch first introduced in 1976 as the reference 3700 that is still in production today.
Ref. 1103 A stunning and unique gilt brass desk clock with cloisonné enamel scene ''La Nature'' with original certificate and invoice, by Elisabeth Perusset Lagger
1980 142mm Width, 142mm Height, 90mm Length Case, dial and movement signed