Manufacture
Dje's 2008 Baselworld report offers a fascinating look at Patek Philippe's artistic watches, particularly the Ref. 5180/1G skeletonized timepiece. This article highlights Patek Philippe's enduring commitment to traditional decorative arts, such as enameling and skeletonization, alongside their horological innovations. It provides valuable context for understanding the brand's diverse offerings beyond its well-known complications.
Patek Philippe
is most well known for its horological competencies, as we saw them at work in
the 5450 Advanced Research and the 5207 instantaneous perpetual calendar with
minute repeater and tourbillon.
Still Patek Philippe
is also a long time, very long time producer of some more artistic watches,
among them the most looked after enamelled world time models brought back this
year by the new 5131. But there are other options. 
Patek Philippe 5180/1 W
One of the
artistic specialties of Patek Philippe is the skeleton watches even if in the
last years Patek Philippe has let other watchmakers play alone!
A see-through watch
The new 5180 is
a more contemporary automatic white gold skeleton watch.
Skeletonized and engraved
This 39mm watch
is delivered on a white gold bracelet.
Rhodiumed calibre
The heat blued
hands are echoed by the blue tinted outside part of the back sapphire.
Anything unnecessary?
The calibre is
fully rhodiumed, excepted nearly all rotating parts (balance wheel, gear train,
…).
A nice see-through back
This watch
remains very classical in its decoration techniques, but the implementation is
IMO very nicely done to provide a contemporary appeal.
Automatic skeleton
Obviously this
watch doesn't modernize the skeletonizing as a Reverso Tourbillon
skeleton did, mainly because of the classical engraving, but I'd be
very happy to wear it someday!
Slim watch
The next piece
would be much more difficult to wear.
Table clock
Patek Philippe
has also long produced quartz table clocks. These clocks are mainly appealing
for their decoration.
Very classical this time
I will not try
to convince you that I'm tempted as for once this is not the case!
La Belle Epoque
I still admit
that this table clock can find its audience thanks to its very nicely adorned
case. A matter of age!
Like a sugar box
Then comes a
series of enameled watches.
Sitting tiger
Each year Patek
Philippe offers a little selection of watches with enamelled dials. You
didn't like the fish last year, try the tiger this year!
Laying tiger
The Tiger
series reference 5076 are based on a 5109 rectangular case.
Jumping tiger
The tiger
series are not my favorite. I suppose that in Asia
the tiger has a very special significance though!
Roaring tiger
Here is the
5076 series seemingly intended for the European market.
The green Venetian mask
Venezia is one
of the most fascinating European cities ! The Carnaval is the highest
moment of the year in Venezia.
The pink mask
The masks are
the symbol of the carnaval. This series of masks nicely mixes the carnaval spirit
with some touches of the city in the background.
Admire the cloisonne effect
The art of
enamelling is one of the most complicated and delicate technique of decoration
in watchmaking and very probably the most artistic one.
Toi et moi
I find this
series particularly refreshing and very appealing, somewhat modern too.
Il gondolo
If the Patek
Philippe enamelled watches are noticeable for their cloisonne construction,
that's not the only technique used.
The bird
The gold
« cloison » is fixed on a base plate that can also be
engraved, or more precisely the plate is "champleve", and the enamel is applied on
the engraving.
The cloisonne bird
All techniques
can be mixed in the same watch to produce a true masterpiece.
The tiger plates
So the base
plate can be engraved to create cavities, than can later be painted too, and
cloisons can be added!
Putting the cloison in place
Some may prefer
the softer look of an enamelled paint, but Patek Philippe very nicely uses all
the enamel techniques.
Painted enamel
The painted
enamels bring us to the last series of enamelled watches for this year, the
birds!
The painted birds
The birds have
always been a chosen subject of paintings of enamels, quite probably thanks to
their grace and their variety of colours.
Patek Philippe 5077
The deep blue
back is really fascinating. I'd love to see such skies!
Paradisier rouge
Can you imagine
one of these watches on your wrist?
Singing
If you're
interested by one of these watches you may contact directly Patek Philippe.
My favorite of the four
I hope you
enjoyed these art watches. Thank you for reading.
Dje
The Patek Philippe Reference 5076 is a series of limited-edition timepieces distinguished by its intricate cloisonné enamel dials. Launched in 2003 and produced until 2006, this reference was created in sets, each comprising four watches with different dials unified by a specific theme, often drawing inspiration from cultural or natural motifs. It represents Patek Philippe's commitment to traditional artisanal crafts, particularly in the realm of decorative dial work. The limited production run and artistic focus position it as a significant offering for collectors of rare horological art.
The watches in the 5076 series feature a platinum case, measuring 30 x 43 mm. These dimensions provide an appropriate canvas for the detailed enamel artistry while maintaining a refined profile suitable for a dress watch. Powering these timepieces is the Patek Philippe caliber 215, a manual-winding movement known for its slimness and reliability. Some variations of the caliber 215 used in this reference include a small seconds display, while others do not, reflecting subtle variations within the series.
With approximately 120 examples produced across all themes, the Reference 5076 appeals to collectors who prioritize rarity and exceptional decorative craftsmanship. Its short production span and the unique nature of each four-watch set contribute to its collectibility. The reference showcases Patek Philippe's expertise in combining high watchmaking with traditional decorative arts, making it a notable entry for enthusiasts of unique and artistically significant timepieces.
The sugar box is so sweet would like to have it on my table Thank you for this infos Sincerely
Patek should really have taken more care and properly finished the underside of the balance wheel of the ref. 5180--see the first and second real pics (after the first couple press photos)...it really stands in sharp contrast to the otherwise terrific job. Also, the off-center Patek Philippe logo in the enamel bird dials really bothers me. The logo is only slightly off-center, but because it's so close to being centered, the brain can't help but think of mistaken asymmetry. John
will keep quiet Lots of hard intense work but I am not sure if the desired effect has been achieved. Possibly they need to be seen in real life to be better appreciated Thanks Jerome ps Do you have special key for the PP factory?? Julian
to keep art in the watch along with the art of the watchmaking. We really must keep this alive and teach the younger artists so it can continue on and not be lost. There is really something mesmerizing about the technique, color and texture of these pieces. They speak to my imagination as well as the WIS part of my brain. Merci. Tim
really amazing works from Patek. Cheers
enamel is great. It is always nice to read/see the different skills of a brand. My favorite is the " Laying tiger". Will they be available only as a limited set, on order, ...? I assume, there will be a "huge" price tag. Any idea? Thanks Jerome! oliver
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