Dubai Watch Week Hong Kong: Enamel Pieces
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Dubai Watch Week Hong Kong: Enamel Pieces

By GLau · Nov 1, 2024 · 15 replies
GLau
WPS member · Horological Meandering forum
15 replies3987 views18 photos
f 𝕏 in 💬 🔗

GLau, a self-proclaimed enamel addict and WatchProSite contributor, offers an exclusive look into the Dubai Watch Week event held in Hong Kong. His detailed account provides a collector's perspective on the curated exhibition of watches with Asian influences, held at Christie's in the iconic Zaha Hadid-designed Henderson building. GLau's personal reflections on his choice of enamel pieces and interactions with industry figures like Wei Koh and Austen Chu illuminate the vibrant community spirit of high horology.

It was held in the offices of Christie's in The Henderson (developed by Henderson Land, a well know listed property developer in Hong Kong  ), designed by the renowned architectural firm Zaha Hadid and inspired by the budd of Bauhinia (the official flower for Hong Kong).  The theme was watches with Asian influences and the pieces were curated by WristCheck (an upside scale pre-owned watch shop located in the Landmark, with shops such as Tiffany, LV, Bottega and other big brands) which borrowed the pieces from collectors.

For such a dinner, yours truly self-proclaimed enamel addict/slave for WPS naturally thought of Anita Porchet and her pieces !  The day of the event, I was debating whether it should it be the Rousseau enamel lion or the hefty 5131P with a "spiced" lime-green strap that matches the vegetation in the North Pole.  After thinking about it for a second, it was a no brainer for me to be double-wristed along with a shirt with colorful sleeves that compliment the enamel dials well ! 

Austen Chu (co-founder of WristCheck and is aka The AP Prince who has been very busy since giving birth to his baby) and I finally had a chance to catch up for lunch and at Dubai Watch Week.  Expect expansion plans with strong support from BIG and knowledgeable collectors.

Also, I had the honour to sit with Wei Koh of Revolution magazine and his other half and Robin Tellendier, the co-founder of Atelier Wen (an independent brand founded by two young French man that partnered with Chinese artisans in producing watches with guilloche dials).  Wei's and my stories about our grail pieces were featured previously on A Collected Man ( https://www.acollectedman.com/blogs/journal/five-collectors-hardest-finds ) and we had much to catch up on.

Lots of alcohol accompanied that this tasty menu.  All in all, it was a fun week !



Recognize these watch celebrities ?




Patek 6000R for China 🇨🇳 10th anniversary in 2015 (25 piece)



Ulysse Nardin Chinese Zodiac enamel serpent 🐍 (88 pieces)



Ulysse Nardin Chinese Zodiac enamel dragon 🐉 (88 pieces)



Vacheron Zheng He







Atelier Wan with guilloche dial made by Chinese artisans



Hong Kong 🇭🇰 limited edition of 50 pieces



China 🇨🇳 limited edition of 88 pieces in collaboration with Austen Chu (aka The AP Prince 🫅)



Wei Koh (founder of Revolution) with his significant half



AP Prince 🫅 Austen Chu with enamel slave/addict



Austen’s Rolex Lemans 








Wei’s cartier with THE enamel Queen 👸 Anita Porchet’s enamel Lion 🦁 inspired by Henry Rousseau’s painting “The Dream” in MOMA





Wristcheck watchmaker Peter Elliot Glomb teaching a class



The Henderson



Very tasty food


About the Patek Philippe Ref. 5131

The Patek Philippe Complications reference 5131 is a World Time model, distinguished by its cloisonné enamel dial depicting a map of the world. This reference is part of a series that showcases Patek Philippe's expertise in both horological complications and traditional decorative arts, offering a functional travel watch with significant aesthetic appeal. It represents a continuation of the brand's long-standing tradition of producing World Time watches, updated with contemporary design elements and a self-winding movement. The 5131 is recognized for its intricate dial work, which varies depending on the specific metal and region depicted.

The watch features a 39.5mm case, available in various precious metals, housing the self-winding Caliber 240 HU. This movement provides a power reserve of 48 hours and drives the World Time complication, allowing the wearer to simultaneously view the time in 24 different time zones. The case is fitted with a sapphire crystal, ensuring durability and clear visibility of the detailed dial. Water resistance is rated at 30 meters, suitable for everyday wear. The fixed bezel frames the intricate dial, contributing to the watch's refined profile.

As a World Time model with a cloisonné dial, the 5131 appeals to collectors who appreciate both technical sophistication and artisanal craftsmanship. Its limited production and the unique hand-finished nature of each dial contribute to its desirability within the secondary market. The reference fits into Patek Philippe's Complications collection as a high-end travel watch, offering a distinctive alternative to more traditional time-only or chronograph models. Variants typically involve different precious metal cases and corresponding enamel map depictions.

Specifications

Caliber
Cal.240 HU
Case
yellow gold
Diameter
39.5mm
Dial
blue
Water Resist.
30m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
TE
TeutonicCarFan
Nov 1, 2024

Like your watches best! Thanks for sharing.

RH
Rhyzen
Nov 2, 2024

Thank you for sharing, Gordon. The Henderson is an architectural wonder.

ES
Esharp
Nov 2, 2024

I got along for one lecture and might have snuck in to drinks after dinner 😜 thanks to our man here 😁 always amazed at how friendly and interesting the members of the wider community are. Such a treat! Best E.

GL
GLau
Nov 4, 2024

Wei Koh when we sat at the same table. Let me see if there is a photo of Robin.

GL
GLau
Nov 4, 2024

Have you visited the Henderson ?

GL
GLau
Nov 5, 2024

Which Asian themed watch did you find interesting ? Personally I really adore the Gerald Genta Mickey Mouse in Chinese costume

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