Patek Philippe - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIV Geneva Friday, November 5, 2021 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1991
    Reference No: 1373
    Movement No: 1'804'515
    Model Name: "700ème Anniversaire de la Confédération"
    Material: Brass and polychrome enamel
    Calibre: Quartz, cal. 33’’’, with photo-electric cell in dome
    Dimensions: 210mm Height
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Patek Philippe Certificate of Origin, service document, leather portfolio and presentation box. Furthermore accompanied by Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present watch in 1991 and its subsequent sale on September 22, 1996.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Patek Philippe has always been a champion in providing resources for the advancement and research of technology and horology. In 1948, Patek Philippe inaugurated its Electronic Division, with the goal of innovating photoelectric and electronic timekeeping technology. In 1955, the firm showcased a solar-powered photoelectric clock at the World Symposium in Phoenix, Arizona.

    The Dome Clock is a result of these two guiding principles and merges a beautifully and intricately crafted work of art with technological innovation. The curved panels provide the perfect canvas for an artisan to showcase his or her ability to create exquisite and colourful scenes on a variety of subjects. To apply enamel on the curved panels requires extreme delicate handling , technical virtuosity and artistic sensibility. Enamel as a medium is exceedingly challenging to work with; any variation in temperature or drafts of air during firing causes the enamel to crack, thus rendering Patek Phillipe cloisonné enamel dome clocks amongst the most coveted timepieces for collectors.

    This particular dome clock is made in celebration of the 700th anniversary of the Swiss Confederation, founded in 1291. Rendered in cloisonné enamel, the dome clock shows some of the most integral scenes of Switzerland. The dial shows the Swiss flag, as well as the Standesfarben (flags) of the original three Cantons, with the bull's head representing Canton Uri, the small white cross representing Canton Schwytz, and the keys represent Kanton Unterwald. While the top of the dome clock depicts the Swiss Alps, the three panels depict the Swiss map, with scenes within. One panel depicts the Rütlischwur, an oath taken by the three Landamänner (canton chiefs) of the founding cantons, dated. The Oath was taken to protect the three cantons from the possible attacks from the Habsburgs. On the right is a Swiss Pikeman, one of the most revered warriors of its time, who eventually became mercenaries in Europe as well. The left panel depicts another soldier as well, holding the flag.

    This dome clock is notably created by Madame Luce Chappaz, who is particularly skilled in enamel work, and this dome clock perfectly captures her creative skill and technical know-how.

    Considered the mastery of the craft necessary to produce these objects, outstanding aesthetic impact, extreme rarity, and importance and uniqueness in the panorama of Patek Philippe production, the present piece is an unmissable addition to any important Patek Philippe collection

  • Artist Biography

    Patek Philippe

    Swiss • 1839

    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.

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Ref. 1373
A unique, spectacular and attractive polychrome enamel dome clock depicting the 700th Anniversary of the Swiss Confederation with original certificate and presentation box

1991
210mm Height
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF80,000 - 160,000 
€74,800-150,000
$87,100-174,000

Sold for CHF138,600

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East Director
AGhotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIV

Geneva Auction 5 & 7 November 2021