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929

Patek Philippe

Ref. 1102

"Travestis"

A very fine and unique gilt brass solar power dome clock with cloisonné enamel scene “Travestis” by Marie Françoise Martin, with Patek Philippe fitted presentation box

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Patek Philippe’s cloisonné enamel dome clocks are perennial favourites at auction both for their innovative solar panel movements and uniquely designed themes. First released in 1955 these ground breaking clocks where developed by Patek Philippe’s Electronic Division, first established in 1948, with the goal to research and develop photoelectric, electronic and nuclear timekeeping technology. The use of cloisonné enamel represents a return to the time honoured tradition of enamel work as a means to decorate timepieces. Each panel was decorated with a general theme often in bright and colourful hues.

The present Dome Clock from 1976 is a superb representation of a second series of clock. The multi-chrome cloisonné enamel scene called “Travestis” by the well-known enamellist Marie Françoise Martin demonstrates her distinct style and manner with vibrant bright colours and free flowing form. In a relaxed cubist style she portraits a range of dressed and masked characters against a dark blue background. Playfully called “Travestis” or “transvestite” the scene has a joyful operatic sensibility with each gender difficult to determine. A true objets d’art, Patek Philippe’s Dome Clocks follow form and function and a wonderful addition to any collection.

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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