Enamelling has always been an important craft for timepieces, especially at Patek Philippe. Without a doubt one of the highest forms of watch decoration, the inherent artisanal character of this technique, it is a natural consequence that some enamellers have risen as “champions” of their fields given their superior skills.

The present Patek Philippe open face pocket watch ref. 866/26 in yellow gold features an exquisite miniature enamel painting of “Retour du Verger” or “Return from the Orchard” by Spanish painter Francisco Ribera Gómez from the early 20th century, it was reinterpreted by master enameller Mrs. Hélène May-Mercier at Patek Philippe in 1974. Mrs Hélène May-Mercier was an enamel miniature painter at Patek Philippe in Geneva from the 1970s until the 1990s. During her career she embellished around 20 watches as well as some cloisonné enamel Dome clocks.

Extremely impressive, the miniature enamel scene on the caseback required various techniques to execute. The difficulty in the execution of this miniature led in the composition of the palette for the colours of the skin of the model. Face and arms are drafted on white ground, then painted in the soft colours salmon/brick-red. With an admirable precision the cheeks have been slightly shaded. Regarded by many as one of the most talented, precise and demanded miniature enamellers. Prior to applying the colours onto the relevant object, Mercier creates small colour platelets which she uses as colour palettes for further studies and trials.

Offered in excellent overall condition and accompanied by its full set of accessories including a Certificate of Origin confirming the miniature enamel painting and an archival image of the present timepiece, this is a fantastic opportunity for collectors of fine pocket watches and enamelled timepieces to acquire an important work of art by one of the greatest enamellers, Mrs. Hélène May-Mercier.