Patek Philippe - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X Hong Kong Friday, July 10, 2020 | Phillips

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  • Manufacturer: Patek Philippe
    Year: 1996
    Reference No: 1439M
    Movement No: 1'804'703
    Model Name: Les Phénix
    Material: Gilt brass and cloisonné enamel
    Calibre: 33’’’ photo-electric cell
    Dimensions: 220mm height
    Signed: Dial and movement signed, case numbered
    Accessories: Further delivered with Patek Philippe Extract from the Archives confirming production of the present dome clock Les Phénix in 1996 and its subsequent sale on April 28th, 1997. Further accompanied with an associated aluminium travel case.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Iconography has long been used in arts, mythology and religion to represent or express a meaning other than what is visually seen. The bird has been used throughout history in paintings and literature often with religious undertones for resurrection, everlasting life, peace and purity to name just a few. Various societies created mythical birds in legend and folklore with allegorical meanings. The Phoenix is one of the best known and is seen in both western and Asian mythology, but with different meanings. In the west the Phoenix symbolizes resurrection and eternity. It is a magical bird that lives for hundreds of year, then dies by bursting in to flame, and is reborn from its ashes. In Asian cultures, the Phoenix has connotations of unity between the feminine and the masculine. In China the legend is rooted in an ostrich-like bird first appearing almost 8000 years ago. Today, the imagery has morphed and the bird is a composite of several including the head of a golden pheasant, body of a mandarin duck, tail of a peacock, legs of a crane, a parrot-like mouth and wings of a swallow. The Phoenix represents justice and graciousness, who does not tolerate lies or abuse of power.

    Patek Philippe’s “Les Phénix” is a wonderfully vibrant representation of this mythical bird. Executed in bright orange, red, brown, maroon and yellow hues, with a Phoenix to each panel and the solar domed top, they are displayed standing and inflight. The dark blue enamel background is enhanced with floral representations in light pink and green, with pink flamingos inflight across the dome. The clock has a dynamic fluidity with expression to the faces and ease of movement to the bodies. The enamel work is signed “DBD”.

    Solar Dome clocks like the present have become highly collectible in the market today. Known for their solar powered quartz movement and highly skilled enamel work, they are both a mechanical object and a work of art. In excellent overall condition in vibrant colours, “Les Phénix” is a true collectible for connoisseurs.

  • 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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862

Ref. 1439M
An extremely fine and unique gilt brass solar power dome clock with cloisonné enamel scene “Les phénix” by DBD

1996
220mm height
Dial and movement signed, case numbered

Estimate
HK$630,000 - 1,200,000 
€68,800-131,000
$80,800-154,000

Sold for HK$912,500

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi

Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2001

WatchesHK@phillips.com

 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: X

Hong Kong Auction 10 July 2020